120 ELUGENIE AND LEONCE

Eugenie found their income ample enough. She
economized in every possible way, and tried to spare
a little to give to the poor and needy.

Valentine was now on a visit with her, and that
night when she came in she told her all about the
old man, and begged she would take him some relief
the next day.

In the morning the Count came to breakfast with
them, and brought with him an invitation to a
magnificent feast, which was to be given at Paris, in
about three weeks from the time of his arrival.

‘I am anxious that you should go, Eugenie,’ said
he, ‘and I will provide a ball dress for the occasion.’

In saying this he placed in her hand a purse con-
taining fifty sovereigns.

When Eugenie was alone she called Valentine and
said—

‘Here are fifty pounds my father-in-law gave me
to buy a ball dress. I am sure I shall be able to buy
one for forty pounds which will be handsome enough,
so I will give the other ten to Jerome; but first,
Valentine, I would like you to go and find out in the
village if all I heard of this poor man is true ; if so, I
will myself take the money to him.’

In the afternoon Valentine returned from the