"Well, you go in and ask Mother Billet for the usual rations and to-morrow we will set you regularly to work."
With an eloquent look the orphan thanked him, and, conducted by Catherine, he entered the kitchen, governed by the absolute rule of Mother Billet.
[CHAPTER IV.]
LONG LEGS ARE GOOD FOR RUNNING
IF NOT FOR DANCING.
Mistress Billet was a fat woman who honored her husband, delighted in her daughter and fed her field hands as no other housewife did for miles around. So there was a rush to be employed at Billet's.
Pitou appreciated his luck at the full value when he saw the golden loaf placed at his elbow, the pot of cider set on his right, and the chunk of mild-cured bacon before him. Since he lost his mother, five years before, the orphan had never enjoyed such cheer, even on a feast day.
He remembered, too, that his new duties of neatherd and shepherd had been fulfilled by gods and demigods.
Besides Mrs. Billet had the management of the kine and orders were not harsh from Catherine's mouth.