She looked at him astonished, not being able to control her surprise, and as usual, when she appeared to wish to read his thoughts, he showed temper. “In what way is my question extraordinary?” “Mass is not exactly the usual subject of your thoughts, it seems to me.” “It may become so, especially when I think of others, as is the case just now. Do you not often go to mass?” “When I can.” “Very well, you can go to-day if you wish. Listen to what I have to say to you. I have not forgotten the promise you made to respect my ideas and beliefs. I wish to make you the same; it is very simple.” “All that is good and generous seems simple to you.” “Well?” “I will go at once.” “Now? At once? It is not eight o’clock. Go to high mass, it is more fashionable.” Fashionable! What a strange word in his mouth! It was not out of respect to fashion that she went to church, but because there was in her a depth of religious sentiment and of piety, a little vague perhaps, which Florentin’s misfortunes had revived. “I will go to high mass,” she said, without letting it appear that this word had suggested anything to her, and continuing her dressing. “Are you going to wear this frock?” he asked, pointing to one that lay on a chair. “Yes; at least if it does not displease you.” “I find it rather simple.” In effect it was of extreme simplicity, made of some cheap stuff, its only charm being an originality that Phillis gave it on making it herself. “Do not forget,” he continued, “that Saint-Francois-Xavier is not a church for working people; when a woman is as charming as you are she is always noticed. People will ask who you are.” “You are right; I will wear the gown I wore at the distribution of the prices.” “That is it; and your bonnet, will you not, instead of the round hat? The first impression should be the best.” This mixture of religious and worldly things was surprising in him. Had she not understood him, then, until now? After all, perhaps it was only an exception. But these exactions regarding her dress were repeated. Although before her marriage Phillis had only crossed Saniel’s path, she knew him well enough to know that he was entirely given up to work, without thought of anything else, and she believed that after marriage he would continue to work in the same way, not caring for amusements or society. She was correct about his work, but not so regarding society. A short time after their marriage the minister Claudet was cured opportunely of an attack of facial neuralgia by Saniel, for whom he conceived a great friendship. He invited Saniel and his wife to all his reunions and fetes, and Saniel accepted all his invitations. At first her wedding gown answered very well, but it would not do always. It had to be trimmed, modified, three or four toilets made of one gown; but, however ingenious Phillis might be in arranging several yards of tulle or gauze, she could not make combinations indefinitely.