FORE:��I did not know, Monsieur,�� replied he, ��that one was stupid because one did not put on a stocking well.��The chanoinesses were free to take vows or not, either at the prescribed age or later. If they did not, they had only the honour of the title of Countess and the decorations of the order. If they did, they got one of the dwellings and a good pension, but they could not marry, and must spend two out of every three years there; with the other year they could do as they liked. They might also adopt as a niece a young chanoinesse on condition she always stayed with them and took the vows when she was the proper age. Her adopted aunt might leave her all her jewels, furniture, &c., as well as her little house and pension. One of them wished to adopt F��licit��, but her mother would not consent. They stayed there six weeks and then went home, F��licit�� in despair at leaving the nuns, [354] who petted and loaded her with bonbons, but much consoled by being called ��Madame.�� Donec sit amet ligula enim. Duis vel condimentum massa.