As he saw his former companion pass by, proud of his patriotic determination, Elias had taken the pipe from his mouth, and said—
“Where are you going, Antoine?”
“To join the 27th line regiment at Chalons.”
“What! Have you enlisted?”
“Yes, like every one else of my age. Are not you going to do the same?”
“I don’t know; my father has said nothing to me about it.”
“Are you to wait for your father’s orders before doing your duty?”
Elias scratched his head, whilst his whole face expressed uncertainty and embarrassment.
“But he needs me for the business.”
“France also needs you, and more urgently than your father.”