"Why do you break off?"
"An oath that I have taken forbids me to say more—"
"I shall respect your secret. But the confidence, with which I seem to inspire you, you also inspire in me. My brother, you said to me, was of the number of the hermit-laborers with whom you are associated. You must have known him intimately. Only he could have furnished you with the details concerning the family of Joel which he doubtlessly received from his own father. Why do you look at me so fixedly? Your silence disconcerts and moves me—your eyes are filling with tears—"
"Ronan, your brother was born thirty years ago—that is my age. Your brother's name is Loysik—that is my name."
"Loysik! My brother!"
"It is I. Did you not surmise as much?"
"Joy of heavens! You are my brother!"
Long did the hermit and the Vagre remain in close embrace. After the first ebullition of their tender joy, Ronan said to Loysik:
"And whatever became of our father?"
"I know not his fate—but let us trust in the goodness of God—let us not despair of some day finding him again—"