disposed to be useful. Still she did not deem it necessary to conceal her
employer's poverty, which was soon divulged to the porteress, and by
her to the bourgeois.

{bourgeois = towns-people, neighbors}

Adrienne had now the means of purchasing food, but, ignorant how
much might be demanded on behalf of the approaching ceremony, she
religiously adhered to the use of dry bread. When Desiree returned in
the evening, she told the poor girl that the convoi was arranged for the
following morning, that she had ordered all in the most economical way,
but that thirty-five francs were the lowest sou for which the funeral
could be had. Adrienne counted out the money, and then found herself
the mistress of just FOUR FRANCS TEN SOUS. When Desiree took
her leave for the night, she placed me in her basket, and carried me to
her own lodgings, in virtue of her purchase.

{convoi = funeral; lowest sou = cheapest price}

I was laid upon a table where I could look through an open window, up
at the void of heaven. It was glittering with those bright stars which the
astronomers tell us are suns of other systems, and the scene gradually
drew me to reflections on that eternity which is before us. My feelings
got to be gradually soothed, as I remembered the moment of time that
all are required to endure injustice and wrongs on earth. Some such
reflections are necessary to induce us to submit to the mysterious reign
of Providence, whose decrees so often seem unequal, and whose
designs are so inscrutable. By remembering what a speck is time, as
compared with eternity, and that "God chasteneth those he loveth," the
ills of life may be borne, even with joy.