“No, I have not. Why should I?”
“Well, he told me that you would arrive at half-past seven this evening; and he said, ‘Thank heaven, I shall be able to see and bless him before I die!’”
“He said that? Well, I must hurry on, for I have no time to lose.”
On leaving the village, and turning the first angle of the forest, one could see the cottage of Father Descharmes.
I turned the corner in a moment.
Father Descharmes was at the door, seated in his arm-chair, in the same place I had left him, enjoying the rays of the setting sun.
I waved my hat on the end of my musket. I thought that he feebly waved his hand in return.
I ran quicker than ever; and the nearer I came the more his face brightened up.
When I was not more than ten paces distant, he lifted himself from the chair, and, raising his eyes to heaven, he said “I knew well that I should see my child again. ‘Now let Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word.’”
I heard these words, and threw myself on my knees.