"What do you mean?"
"I mean that in an hour, upon our arrival at the farm, you must be the Frederick of former times, the glory and pride of your mother."
"M. David!"
"My child, the moments are numbered, so listen to me. This morning, at the time you disappeared, I said to you, 'I know the cause of your illness.'"
"You did say that to me, truly, M. David."
"Well, now, the cause is envy!"
"Oh, my God!" murmured Frederick, overwhelmed with shame, and trying to slip away from David's embrace.
But the latter pressed Frederick all the more tenderly to his heart, and said, quickly:
"Lift up your head, my child,—there is no need for shame, envy is an excellent quality."
"Envy an excellent quality!" exclaimed Frederick, sitting up and staring at David with bewildered astonishment. "Envy!" repeated he, shuddering. "Ah, monsieur, you do not know what it produces."