“They looked at me, that man and woman,' speechless with amazement. I took the few thousand francs from out of my pocket. Wretched-looking money from every country. Pennies and gold pieces all mixed together. Then I asked:
“'What is your decision?'
“Madame Chouquet spoke first. 'Well, since it is the dying woman's wish, it seems to me impossible to refuse it.'
“Her husband said, in a shamefaced manner: 'We could buy something for our children with it.'
“I answered dryly: 'As you wish.'
“He replied: 'Well, give it to us anyhow, since she commissioned you to do so; we will find a way to put it to some good purpose.'
“I gave them the money, bowed and left.
“The next day Chouquet came to me and said brusquely:
“'That woman left her wagon here—what have you done with it?'
“'Nothing; take it if you wish.'