"'Il n'est pas mal,' returned the hostess, as she quitted the room.to fetch some eggs.
"Julie felt a great desire to learn what might be the means or occupation that enabled Monsieur Rodolphe to live, and to maintain a style of dress that appeared so inconsistent with the situation of his mother; but she was afraid of giving offence by betraying her curiosity; or of awakening suspicion of her motives, if they really happened to have any thing to conceal. However, the old woman seemed disposed enough to give her the information she wanted.
"'Yes, he's well enough, Rodolphe,' said, she, as she broke her eggs into the stewpan—'he was always fond of dress, and ambitious to be a gentleman; and we never could make him take to any trade that soiled his fingers—worse luck! So he has got a little employment in the town—but it's not the way to make money. Better work while he is young and able, than wear fine clothes, and lead an easy life, trusting to other people to keep him when he is old. I have little faith in promises, for my part.'
"'Whatever God's word may be,' returned Julie, 'the word of man is not bread.'
"'C'est vrai,' replied the old woman nodding
