And in a second Louise had begun to sob, whilst all in the vast room rose at once with a noise like thunder.
All ran towards him, with Master Jean-Claude at their head, shouting:
"Gaspard!—Gaspard Lefévre!"
But Gaspard and his mother were clasped in each other's arms: this woman, usually so strong-minded, so courageous, was weeping unrestrainedly; her son shed no tears, but held her close to his heart, his red moustaches buried in her gray locks, as he murmured:
"Mother! mother! ah! how often have I thought of you!"
Then, in a louder voice:
"Louise!" said he, "I saw Louise!"
And Louise rushed into his arms, and they mingled their tears and kisses together.
"Ah! you did not know me again, Louise!"
"Oh! yes—oh! yes, I knew you directly by your step."