"Well," said the merchant, heaving a sigh of regret, and rising; "it is all ended—fortunately my daughter is a brave girl."
"I also shall be so, monsieur."
"Monsieur George," continued the merchant, reaching out his hand to the young carpenter, "you are a man of honor. I need not demand of you secrecy concerning this interview. As you may judge, my inclinations were most favorable towards you. It is not my fault if my plans—I shall say more—my wishes, my warm wishes, to see my daughter and you united meet with an insuperable obstacle."
"Never, monsieur, shall I forget the token of esteem with which you have honored me. You act with the wisdom and discretion of a father. I can not—let it cost me what grief it may—but bow respectfully to your decision. I should, I admit it, myself have forestalled this subject with you—I should have loyally apprized you of the sacred engagement that binds me to my party. I am certain I would have made the confession to you, so soon as I had recovered from the intoxication of happiness that your words threw me into. I would have had time to consider the duties imposed upon me by that unexpected happiness—this marriage. Pardon me, monsieur," George proceeded, in a voice that trembled with anguish, "pardon me. I have no longer the right to speak of that beautiful dream. But what I shall ever remember with pride is your having said to me: 'You can be my son.'"
"It is well, Monsieur George; I expected no less from you," said Lebrenn, moving towards the door.
And, giving his hand once more to the young man, he added with emotion:
"Once more, adieu."
"Adieu, monsieur," responded George, taking the outstretched hand of the merchant. But the latter, suddenly throwing his arms around the young artisan, pressed him to his breast, crying in a voice that shook with joy, and with eyes moist with tears:
"Well done, George! Honest man! Loyal heart! I judged you rightly!"
Puzzled at these words, and at the conduct of the linendraper, George looked at him unable to utter a word. The latter whispered to him: