All our department clubbed together. I was comparatively rich, having in my possession three or four hundred crowns, gained by my own labor, and saved by my own economy.
Father Descharmes had offered to give me what sum I wanted; but I refused to accept anything.
For some time, the poor old man had been declining in health. He had served princes all his life, and now missed them. One thing greatly perplexed him, and that was, whether France had the right to act as it was acting?
They had offered him a deputyship to the federation; but he shook his head, saying, “I am too old; Réné will go in my place.”
Afterwards, he had a long conversation with M. Drouet, in the course of which he gave him some papers, which he sorted with care, put in his portfolio, and took to St. Menehould.
On the eve of departure, a carriage drove up to the door of my uncle’s cottage; and, to my astonishment, I saw Sophie and her father alight from it.
I rushed out with a cry of joy, but suddenly stopped myself.
What would Sophie—what would her father think?
Father Gerbaut smiled. Sophie made a step in advance, and gave me her hand.