As he grew older his voice, so strong and sweet in boyhood, had developed into a singularly fine tenor, and, having a quick and true ear, as well as the gift of dramatic expression, he was in great demand among Madame Pradère's friends, who made a great deal of him.
At first both Nadine and Madame Pradère were opposed to his adopting singing as a career. They would have preferred some more ordinary profession, but when they saw that Cæsar's heart was set upon it, and that he would never be content at anything else, they gave way, and he was sent to the Conservatory, whence in due time he graduated with the medal of honor.
It is now late in December, and they are all at the chateau except Cæsar, who has just made his début in opera at Paris, and scored a grand success. The journals were unanimous in their praise, and in acclaiming the appearance of a new tenor of the first quality for whom they confidently predicted a brilliant career. Madame Pradère, and Nadine have been thrilled with pride and joy over the triumph of their loved one, and there is no longer any question as to the wisdom of his choice of a profession. Cæsar having thus justified himself in the fullest measure, is returning to the chateau for a short holiday, and his coming is eagerly awaited.
The chateau was ablaze with lights, and stirring with bustle, for Madame Françoise, the sharp-tongued housekeeper, who was nevertheless the most faithful of servants, was sparing no pains to make Cæsar's reception as brilliant as possible.
Nadine, her countenance radiant, and her eyes aglow, looked more than usually lovely, while Abel, a comely lad now nearing his majority, presented a fine appearance in his cadet uniform.
Vigilant was still alive, although very feeble. He was wholly blind, and almost deaf, and never ventured outside the inclosure of the chateau. Nevertheless when feeling in good spirits, and on being taken notice of, he would make an effort at remembering his accomplishments, and do his best to stand upon his hind legs, and salute with his fore-paws as of old. But he was very tottery in his doing of it.
Out in the park Nalla lived a life of luxurious leisure. Being only a little over sixty years of age he was, for an elephant, still in the heyday of youth, and enjoyed himself immensely, having plenty of room to roam around, abundant food of the best quality, and a spacious lodge into which to retire if the weather was inclement.
Nadine never failed to pay him a daily visit, and, catching sight of her at a distance, he would trumpet joyfully, making the welkin ring with raucous exclamations.
Poor old Steady had long ago lain down never to rise again, dying contentedly of old age after his life of toil and trouble.
In good time Cæsar arrived. He had grown into a very handsome man. With his father's stalwart shapely figure, and his mother's regular features, and fine brown eyes, he had inherited many of the good qualities of both parents. Through all his experiences of the world and its temptations he had remained a frank, fearless, unsullied boy who loved his sister Nadine to the point of adoration, and regarded Madame Pradère as the best and kindest of friends to whom he could never be sufficiently grateful.