"A very good idea, truly," said Marguerite, "they could not have acted more wisely, and what did they give them, my child?" "The good fathers gave them a robe which had been worn by a pious hermit, who during his life had always made the demons flee from any place where he came. A tiny morsel of that robe was sufficient to ward off all danger from the one who carried it. You may imagine how anxious everybody was to have a piece of it." "Oh, I can well believe it. If I had been there there's nothing I wouldn't have given to obtain a piece." "Well but dear nurse," said Blanche, "is it like mine." "Hush! let Ursule finish, my child!" "Finally, mademoiselle, one of my ancestors, who lived then had the good fortune to get a morsel of the pious hermit's robe. She left it to her daughter after her, who left it to my mother, from whom I have it; and that is how this talisman came to me and it is that which makes me afraid of nothing in Paris, and with which I dare risk myself alone in the streets at night." "Oh, how singular!" cried Blanche, "that's like me; I also have a talisman which preserves me from all danger, however, they won't even let me look out of the window. That's because my protector, the barber, does not believe in talismans." "He's very wrong, mademoiselle," said Urbain. "Yes, assuredly he is," said Marguerite, "but, my dear child, have you yours on you now?" "Yes, mademoiselle. Oh, I always carry it." "Let us see this precious relic. Only to touch it will do one good." Urbain felt in his apron pocket and drew forth a small paper folded with great care; he opened it and took out a sample of his breeches which he presented to the old servant, pinching his lips to keep a serious face. Marguerite who had put on her glasses took the little scrap of cloth respectfully, and kissed it three times, crying,-- "That's it, oh, how good that is! that emits an odor all about it, an odor of sanctity." "Do you think so, dear nurse," said Blanche, who was looking at the little sample of cloth in surprise, "I should never have thought that a little rag like that could have any power." "A rag! O my dear Blanche, speak more respectfully of this relic." "My talisman is much prettier than that. It's a little piece of parchment. Wait, here it is." Saying these words Blanche opened her kerchief, and signed to Urbain to look in her corset, half disclosing her virgin neck as she spoke, in order that the supposed Ursule might better perceive her talisman. "Ah, how charming!" exclaimed Urbain involuntarily. "Is it not," said Blanche, smiling; "it's much prettier than that scrap of cloth." Urbain had no strength with which to answer, he remained motionless, his eyes still fixed on the place where the lovely child hid her talisman, while Marguerite, contemplating the fragment of smallclothes, kissed it anew, repeating,-- "The worth of that has been well proven, which makes it all the more precious."