The little fellow, believing that she had calmed down, ceased beating César, in order to catch his mother's hand, and he listened, too, as if he understood.
When the narrative was finished, young Hautot continued:
"Now we will settle matters together in accordance with his wishes."
"Listen: I am well off he has left me plenty of means. I don't want you to have anything to complain about—"
But she quickly interrupted him.
"Oh, Monsieur César, Monsieur César, not to-day. I am cut to the heart—another time—another day. No, not to-day. If I accept, listen! 'Tis not for myself—no, no, no, I swear to you. 'Tis for the child. Besides this provision will be put to his account."
Thereupon, César scared, divined the truth, and stammering:
"So then—'tis his—the child?"
"Why, yes," she said.
And Hautot, Junior, gazed at his brother with a confused emotion, intense and painful.