"What do you mean, my child?"
"Frederick!" added David, with a tone of reproach, suspecting the intention of Madame Bastien's son.
"My friend, to-day is the day of confessions, and, besides, I see my mother so happy that—"
Then, interrupting himself, he asked:
"You are happy, are you not, mother?"
Marie replied by embracing her son with ecstasy.
"So you see, my friend, my mother is so happy that a danger past cannot give her cause for sorrow, especially when she will have one reason more for loving you and blessing you."
"Frederick, once again I beseech you—"
"My friend, the only reason which has made me conceal this secret from my mother was the fear of distressing her."
"I beg you, dear child, explain yourself," cried Marie.