I recollected something.
“Monsieur Bertrand,” said I; “I shall perhaps not be able to pay you till the end of the month.”
“Oh, that’s all settled. Monsieur Drouet has paid me a month in advance. He said that he owed you money.”
I felt a glow of emotion at this new proof of my good friend’s generosity.
As I was crossing a field on my way home, I met the surveyor, M. Mathieu. My good genius had preceded me there, too: the surveyor was quite ready to impart to me the mysteries of the chain and level.
Leaving him, I went home in great glee, took my gun, and sallied forth to slaughter partridges for my Latin master. I was fortunate enough to knock over a brace of birds and a hare, which I sent the same night to the Abbé Fortin.
Next day, as I was planing away with great zeal, the Abbé himself stood before me.
“Well, my boy, you have sent me some game, and you must now help me to eat it. Dinner at two, and I shall be glad to see your uncle, if he will come with you.”
“Oh, Monsieur l’Abbé, it is too much honor!”