As I was leaving, “Mademoiselle,” said I, “I go back to-morrow, with my friends, probably before you awake; so permit me to say good-bye this evening, and to tell you before M. Gerbaut, what pleasure I feel in having made your acquaintance.”
“And I, M. Réné,” said she, “like you as a friend, and am well disposed to love you as a brother.”
“Very well, my children,” said Father Gerbaut, “embrace each other and say good-bye.”
Sophie turned to me both cheeks, which I kissed with a feeling of ineffable pleasure.
She then retired to her own room; I followed her with my eyes to the door, when she turned, and gave me a parting glance, and a parting smile.
“She is a good girl, after all,” said her father.
“A good girl, M. Gerbaut? Say, rather, an angel!”
“Angels are not so common as all that, my boy. But,” continued he, leading me along the corridor, and opening a door, “here is your room, not only for to-night, but for ever, if you will enter into my service. You shall have board and lodging, and twenty-five crowns a month. Do you hear me?”
I shook him by the hand, and thanked him for his kindness. He then wished me to come down stairs again, to drink a glass to the health of the nation. But I pleaded fatigue, and want of sleep, and entered my chamber.
The real reason why I did not comply with his offer, was that I wished to be alone.