"It will not take long, madame; he is in the library with M. David."
While the servant went in quest of Frederick, Marie, who saw then for the first time the handsomely equipped carriage standing before the garden gate, wondered what could be its purpose.
Frederick hastened, not expecting the spectacle which awaited him.
"What do you want, mother?" said he, quickly.
Then, seeing the crowd which had gathered in the little garden, he stopped suddenly, with an interrogative look at his mother.
"My child—"
But the young woman, whose heart was beating with joy, could say no more; overcome by emotion, she had just discovered that the assemblage was composed entirely of those unfortunate people whom she and her son and David had helped in the time of the overflow.
Then Marie said:
"My child, it is Jean François who wishes to speak to you,—there he is!"
And the happy mother withdrew behind her son, exchanging a glance of inexpressible delight with David, who had followed his pupil, and stood half hidden under the porch.