"If I am taken to the milliner's,'What is the use of selecting any particular shape?' says that lady. 'With a face like mademoiselle's any style is equally charming and becoming.'
"The dressmaker declares that my figure is so wonderfully elegant that, dressed in a loosely fitting sack, I should drive the ladies most famed for their perfection of form wild with envy.
"It is the same with the shoemaker, who declares that he will have to make a special last for me, never having worked for the possessor of so small a foot as mine.
"The glovemaker outdoes him even, by declaring that I have the hand of a dwarf.
"So you see, my dear mother, I may almost consider myself a phenomenon, fit for a museum.
"Oh, mother, mother, it was not in this way that you spoke when, taking my face in your two hands, and kissing me on the forehead, you said:
"'My poor Ernestine, you are not beautiful, or even pretty, but the candour and sweetness of your disposition are so plainly written on your expressive face that I do not regret your lack of beauty.'
"And these words of praise, the only ones, I believe, that you ever gave me, I believed, and they made me very happy.
"But alas! the daughter you so fondly loved, has she remained worthy of you? I do not know. I am not sure.
"Then I knew nothing of doubts, suspicion, and mockery! And for several days past cruel presentiments have taken such a hold on me that I am as much astonished as alarmed.