"You show a great deal of vanity in keeping near you such an accomplished creature," said a lady to the mistress of the house.
"Ah! my dear, some day perhaps you will find yourself jealous of me in possessing Celestine."
"She must be endowed with very rare qualities, I suppose? She perhaps dresses you well?"
"Oh, no, very badly!"
"She sews well?"
"She never touches her needle."
"She is faithful?"
"She is one of those whose fidelity costs more than the most cunning dishonesty."
"You astonish me, my dear; she is then your foster-sister?"
"Not at all; she is positively good for nothing, but she is more useful to me than any other member of my household. If she remains with me ten years, I have promised her twenty thousand francs. It will be money well earned, and I shall not forget to give it!" said the young woman, nodding her head with a meaning gesture.