Then she could not endure the dog , a fat , cross beast who snarled and yelped at her when she made his toilet , and who lay on his back with all his legs in the air and a most idiotic expression of countenance when he wanted something to eat , which was about a dozen times a day . The cook was bad-tempered , the old coachman was deaf , and Esther the only one who ever took any notice of the young lady . Esther was a Frenchwoman , who had lived with ` Madame ' , as she called her mistress , for many years , and who rather tyrannized over the old lady , who could not get along without her . Her real name was Estelle , but Aunt March ordered her to change it , and she obeyed , on condition that she was never asked to change her religion . She took a fancy to Mademoiselle , and amused her very much with odd stories of her life in France , when Amy sat with her while she got up Madame 's laces . She also allowed her to roam about the great house , and examine the curious and pretty things stored away in the big wardrobes and the ancient chests , for Aunt March hoarded like a magpie . Amy 's chief delight was an Indian cabinet , full of queer drawers , little pigeonholes , and secret places , in which were kept all sorts of ornaments , some precious , some merely curious , all more or less antique . To examine and arrange these things gave Amy great satisfaction , especially the jewel cases , in which on velvet cushions reposed the ornaments which had adorned a belle forty years ago . There was the garnet set which Aunt March wore when she came out , the pearls her father gave her on her wedding day , her lover 's diamonds , the jet mourning rings and pins , the queer lockets , with portraits of dead friends and weeping willows made of hair inside , the baby bracelets her one little daughter had worn , Uncle March 's big watch , with the red seal so many childish hands had played with , and in a box all by itself lay Aunt March 's wedding ring , too small now for her fat finger , but put carefully away like the most precious jewel of them all . `` Which would Mademoiselle choose if she had her will ? '' asked Esther , who always sat near to watch over and lock up the valuables . `` I like the diamonds best , but there is no necklace among them , and I 'm fond of necklaces , they are so becoming . I should choose this if I might , '' replied Amy , looking with great admiration at a string of gold and ebony beads from which hung a heavy cross of the same . `` I , too , covet that , but not as a necklace . Ah , no ! To me it is a rosary , and as such I should use it like a good catholic , '' said Esther , eyeing the handsome thing wistfully . `` Is it meant to use as you use the string of good-smelling wooden beads hanging over your glass ? '' asked Amy . `` Truly , yes , to pray with . It would be pleasing to the saints if one used so fine a rosary as this , instead of wearing it as a vain bijou . ''
`` You seem to take a great deal of comfort in your prayers , XXXXX , and always come down looking quiet and satisfied .
Amy Esther Frenchwoman Mademoiselle bijou bracelets day lockets pigeonholes rosary