“I stay with my father,” said Placide.
“Your reasons?” asked Monsieur Coasson; “that I may report them to the Captain-General.”
“I have no reasons,” replied Placide; “or, if I have, I cannot recollect them now. I shall stay with my father.”
“Welcome home, my boy!” said Toussaint; “and Isaac, my son, may God bless you, wherever you go.”
And he opened his arms to them both.
“I am not afraid,” said Madame L’Ouverture, timidly, as if scarcely venturing to say so much—“I am not afraid but that, happen what may, we can always make a comfortable home for Placide.”
“Never mind comfort, mother: and least of all for me. We have something better than comfort to try for now.”
“Give me your blessing, too, father,” said Aimée, faintly, as Isaac led her forward, and Vincent closely followed. “You said you would bless those that went, and those that stayed; and I am going with Isaac.”
The parents were speechless; so that Isaac could explain that the Captain-General offered a welcome to as many of the Ouvertures as were disposed to join him; and that Madame Leclerc had said that his sisters would find a home and protection with her.
“And I cannot separate from Isaac yet,” pleaded Aimée. “And with Madame Leclerc—”