A small entrance, opening on the corridor, led to a large room, on each side of which was a smaller chamber, destined for the family, when the boys and girls were too big to continue to sleep in the two dormitories, arranged after the fashion of a large school, and reserved for the children of both sexes.Every night the superintendence of these dormitories was entrusted to a father and mother of a family, belonging to the association.The lodging of which we speak, being, like all the others, disencumbered of the paraphernalia of a kitchen--for the cooking was done in common, and on a large scale, in another part of the building--was kept extremely clean.A pretty large piece of carpet, a comfortable arm-chair, some pretty-looking china on a stand of well-
polished wood, some prints hung against the walls, a clock of gilt bronze, a bed, a chest of drawers, and a mahogany secretary, announced that the inhabitants of this apartment enjoyed not only the necessaries, but some of the luxuries of life.Angela, who, from this time, might be called Agricola's betrothed, justified in every point the flattering portrait which the smith had drawn of her in his interview with poor Mother Bunch.The charming girl, seventeen years of age at most, dressed with as much simplicity as neatness, was seated by the side of her mother.When Agricola entered, she blushed slightly at seeing him.
"Mademoiselle," said Agricola, "I have come to keep my promise, if your mother has no objection."
"Certainly, M.Agricola," answered the mother of the young girl cordially."She would not go over the Common Dwelling-house with her father, her brother, or me, because she wished to have that pleasure with you today.It is quite right that you, who can talk so well, should do the honors of the house to the new-comer.She has been waiting for you an hour, and with such impatience!"
"Pray excuse me, mademoiselle," said Agricola, gayly; "in thinking of the pleasure of seeing you, I forgot the hour.That is my only excuse."
"Oh, mother!" said the young girl, in a tone of mild reproach, and becoming red as a cherry, "why did you say that?"