MADELINE. 125

stuffed birds, and may be permitted to nurse a whole family of
kittens at once.

“Madame Virot,” said Madeline, “why is it that my
mamma is so sad ?”

Madame Virot shrugged her shoulders. “Ah, my little
one,” she said, “it is that the chére petite maman longs for her
old home in the chateau at Auvers and for the embrace of her

mother.”

“Then, why does she not go there, and take me? I should
~ be made happy to see my grandmother.”

“In truth, my little one, but madame your grandmother
would not find herself charmed to see you; she has great
discontent of your mother.”

“Of my precious mamma! her own daughter! And
why ?”

“Because of her marriage with the American gentleman,
your father, of whom your grandmother had great disapproval.
You ask a great many questions, chére petite.”

Madeline sat nursing the family of kittens and ponder-
ing over this strange news, of which her mother had never
told her a word. “And does she live near by, madame my
grandmother?” asked she presently.

“Not so far,” returned Madame Virot. “I am from her
neighborhood, and it is for that reason your mamma, chose
her apartment.”

“And madame my grandmother, what is she like, I