"You weep," said I, "but since I am to stay in Metz!"
Still she did not speak, but went and brought some wine. I took a glass, and she asked, "What does Catherine say?"
"She is glad that I am to remain at the arsenal; and Mr. Goulden also."
"That is well; and are they preparing what you need?"
"Yes, Aunt Grédel, and I must be at the city hall before five o'clock to receive my uniform."
"Well! then you must go; kiss me, Joseph. I will not go with you. I do not wish to see the battalion leave—I will stay here. I must live a long while yet—Catherine has need of me—" here her restraint gave way.
Suddenly she checked herself, and said, "At what time do you leave?"
"To-morrow, at seven o'clock, Mamma Grédel."
"Well! at eight o'clock I will be there. You will be far away, but you will know that the mother of your wife is there, that she will take care of her daughter, that she loves you, that she has only you in the whole world."
The courageous woman sobbed aloud; she accompanied me to the door, and I left her. It seemed as if I had not a drop of blood left in my veins. Just as the clock struck five I reached the town-house. I went up and saw that hall again where I had lost, that cursed hall where everybody drew unlucky numbers. I received a cloak and coat, pantaloons, gaiters, and shoes. Zébédé, who was waiting for me, told one of the musketeers to take them to the mess-room.