"Such things have been seen, however, niece! And a woman is not always unhappy on that account; it often turns out just the other way."
"Well, aunt, I consider that Miretta has done well not to marry her cousin, as she has no love for him."
"Perhaps you will not always talk so, my dear!"
"Miretta," continued Valentine, turning to the girl, "I take you into my service, that is settled; and I will give you—— How much should I give her, aunt?"
"Whatever you please, niece."
"Very well! two hundred livres a year.—Is that enough, Miretta? does that satisfy you?"
"Oh! that is a great deal, mademoiselle! I probably am not worth so much as that, and I shall always be satisfied with whatever you give me; I do not care for money!"
"You don't care for money, you don't care to marry," murmured Madame de Ravenelle, shaking her head; "nor do you care for your province, since you leave it—Pray, little one, to what do you aspire?"
Miretta was silent a moment, then replied:
"I aspire to be in the service of honorable persons, and to show myself deserving of their kindness."