for noise
and pleasure. And as Mathieu was about to take his leave, he heard the
triumphant Santerre saying to her, while for a moment he retained her
hand in his clasp: "Till to-morrow, then." And she, who had cast her
buckler of defence aside, made answer: "Yes--yes, to-morrow."

A week later La Catiche was the acknowledged queen of the house. Andree
had recovered a little color, and was increasing in weight daily. And
in presence of this result the others bowed low indeed. There was every
disposition to overlook all possible faults on the nurse's part. She was
the third, and a fourth would mean the child's death; so that she was
an indispensable, a providential helper, one whose services must be
retained at all costs. Moreover, she seemed to have no defects, for
she was a calm, cunning, peasant woman, one who knew how to rule her
employers and extract from them all that was to be extracted. Her
conquest of the Seguins was effected with extraordinary skill. At first
some unpleasantness seemed likely, because Celeste was, on her own side,
pursuing a similar course; but they were both too intelligent to do
otherwise than come to an understanding. As their departments were
distinct, they agreed that they could prosecute parallel invasions. And
from that moment they even helped one another, divided the empire, and
preyed upon the house in company.

La Catiche sat upon a throne, served by the other domestics, with her
employers at her feet. The finest dishes were for her; she had her
special wine, her special bread, she had everything most delicate and
most nourishing that could be found. Gluttonous, slothful, and proud,
she strutted about, bending one and all to her fancies. The others gave
way to her in everything to avoid sending her into a temper which might
have spoilt her milk. At her slightest indisposition everybody was
distracted. One night she had an attack of indigestion, and all the
doctors in the neighborhood were rung up to attend on her. Her only
real defect, perhaps, was a slight inclination for pilfering; she
appropriated some linen that was lying about, but madame would not hear
of the matter being mentioned.

There was also the chapter of the presents which were heaped on her in
order to keep her in good temper. Apart from the regulation present
when the child cut its first tooth, advantage was taken of various other
occasions, and a ring, a brooch, and a pair of earrings were given her.
Naturally sh