136 Les Miserables
self, according to his custom. The man began to eat with
av id it y.
All at once the Bishop said: ‘It strikes me there is some-
thing missing on this table.’
Madame Magloire had, in fact, only placed the three sets
of forks and spoons which were absolutely necessary. Now,
it was the usage of the house, when the Bishop had any one
to supper, to lay out the whole six sets of silver on the table-
cloth—an innocent ostentation. This graceful semblance of
luxury was a kind of child’s play, which was full of charm
in that gentle and severe household, which raised poverty
into dignity.
Madame Magloire understood the remark, went out
without saying a word, and a moment later the three sets of
silver forks and spoons demanded by the Bishop were glit-
tering upon the cloth, symmetrically arranged before the
three persons seated at the table.