The mother and daughter sat down in silence, the former upon her

raised seat, the latter in her little armchair, and both took up their

work. Swelling with gratitude for the full heart-understanding her

mother had given her, Eugenie kissed the dear hand, saying,--

"How good you are, my kind mamma!"

The words sent a glow of light into the motherly face, worn and

blighted as it was by many sorrows.

Madame Grandet only smiled in reply. Then, after a moment's silence,