was obliged to regulate its own proceedings by the received current
values of the day. Old age, vexation, and this last most cruel blow, did
not fail of effecting that which might have been foreseen. The vicomtesse
sunk under this accumulation of misfortunes, and became bed-ridden,
helpless, and querulous. Every thing now devolved on the timid, gentle,
unpracticed Adrienne. All females of her condition, in countries
advanced in civilization like France, look to the resource of imparting a
portion of what they themselves have acquired, to others of their own
sex, in moments of urgent necessity. The possibility of Adrienne's being
compelled to become a governess, or a companion, had long been kept
in view, but the situation of Mad. de la Rocheaimard forbade any
attempt of the sort, for the moment, had the state of the country
rendered it at all probable that a situation could have been procured.
On this fearful exigency, Adrienne had aroused all her energies, and
gone deliberately into the consideration of her circumstances.

{Mont de Piete = traditional term for a municipal pawn shop operated
to help the poor}

Poverty had compelled Mad. de la Rocheaimard to seek the cheapest
respectable lodgings she could find on reaching town. In anticipation of
a long residence, and, for the consideration of a considerable abatement
in price, she had fortunately paid six months' rent in advance; thus
removing from Adrienne the apprehension of having no place in which
to cover her head, for some time to come. These lodgings were in an
entresol of the Place Royale, a perfectly reputable and private part of
the town, and in many respects were highly eligible. Many of the menial
offices, too, were to be performed by the wife of the porter, according
to the bargain, leaving to poor Adrienne, however, all the care of her
grandmother, whose room she seldom quitted, the duties of nurse and