“I shall only want a little bundle and my staff,” said Serge, as if to himself. “That is mine, for I cut it in the forest and shaped and trimmed it myself. Yes, that’s all.”
“Aren’t you going to take the chest into father’s room?” said Marcus, quietly.
“Eh? No, my lad.”
“But he told you to.”
“Yes, boy, but it was after all was over, and I can’t face him again.”
“Then you are going off without saying good-bye to him?”
The old soldier nodded.
“And you are not going in to see him after he has sent for you to come?”
“No, boy,” said the old soldier, with a sigh. “It’s the only way. I’m just going to take my bundle and my stick, and then I’m going off at once—alone,” he added, meaningly.
“No, you’re not, Serge, for someone else can be stubborn too.”