The guardian pair followed, hand in hand.
“Claude,” said Bonaventure tenderly; but—
“Claude,” more firmly said St. Pierre.
The boy looked for one instant from the master’s face to Sidonie’s; then turned, grasped his father’s hand, and followed the others.
A blaze of light filled Bonaventure’s heart. He turned to Sidonie to give his hand—both her hands were clasped upon each other, and they only tightened. But their eyes met—ah! those Acadian maidens, they do it all with their eyes!—and lover and maiden passed out and walked forth side by side. They are going that way still, only—with hands joined.