Page:Crainquebille, Putois, Riquet and other profitable tales, 1915.djvu/242

 "Is it true that I must go away? Then what will become of me? Here I was fed, clothed and everything. Could you not tell the good gentleman that it is better for me to stay where I am?"

Gently but firmly the governor showed her that she could not refuse the mercy shown her; then he informed her that on her departure she would receive a certain sum, ten or twelve francs.

She went out weeping.

I inquired what she had done.

He turned over a register.

"503. She was servant in a farmhouse.&hellip; She stole a petticoat from her mistress.&hellip; A theft committed by a servant.&hellip; On such offences, you must know, the law is very severe."