Describe the impression that the narrator gives you of Mme. Aubain's house.

Mme. Aubain's house is described as standing between an alley and a narrow street, which gives the impression of it being squeezed into its location and somewhat cramped. The floors are at different levels, which make it easy to trip. This suggests that the house itself is not a large or very fancy house, but one that was built to meet only more necessary needs. Inside the house, however, there are several things that Mme. Aubain brought with her from her former home or homes and which reflect her more affluent history. The impression that the house seems to give is of a fresh poverty.