In the meantime Catherine continued her way, one long series of memories of him who was no more, unless his arms were around the little boy whom she carried on her bosom.
What would the neighbors say of her shame and dishonor? So handsome a boy would be a shame and disgrace to a peasant!
But she entered the farm without fear though rapidly.
A huge dog barked as she came up, but suddenly recognizing his young mistress, he neared her to the stretch of his chain, and stood up with his forepaws in the air to utter little joyous yelps.
At the dog's barking a man ran out to see the cause.
"Miss Catherine," he exclaimed.
"Father Clovis," she said.
"Welcome, dear young mistress—the house much needs you, by heaven!"
"And my poor mother?"
"Sorry to say she is just the same, neither worse nor better—she is dying out like an oilless lamp, poor dear!"