The narrator gives an account of the girl's background and reputation. What do you learn about the girl from this account?
Does the description give people a sense of her character? Explain.
In this account, we learn that the girl has lost her father, that she is virtuous and angelic, and that her mother is looking to find her a husband.... a good marriage.
She was the daughter of a provincial tax collector, who had been dead several years. She and her mother came to live in Paris, where the latter, who made the acquaintance of some of the families in her neighborhood, hoped to find a husband for her daughter.
The young girl was a perfect type of the virtuous woman in whose hands every sensible young man dreams of one day intrusting his happiness. Her simple beauty had the charm of angelic modesty, and the imperceptible smile which constantly hovered about the lips seemed to be the reflection of a pure and lovely soul. Her praises resounded on every side. People never tired of repeating: "Happy the man who wins her love! He could not find a better wife."
The Jewels
