The old mulatto gazed in silent reflection at the procession, while his neighbors commented freely on the memorable event.
"They owe all this happiness to old Richard," he heard some one say.
"And to his son," added another voice.
"Undoubtedly; but the son would have been powerless without the father's money."
"Do you know that more than a hundred and fifty persons assembled here owe everything to the good old man?"
"Yes; and in the last four years, six or seven hundred persons must have shared the benefits of the inheritance."
"And if M. Louis lives thirty years longer, the number will reach five or six thousands—thousands saved from misery and crime, perhaps."
"You forget the children of these happily married couples, who will have the advantages of education and good breeding procured by this generous dowry."
"You are right; the good accomplished by old Richard is beyond calculation. What a pity so few know how to spend their money!"
"Yes; but there are few such men as Richard and his son. But why are you weeping?" concluded the speaker, turning suddenly toward the old mulatto.