After the repast, Martin, for whom a room had been prepared near the Counsellor of Parliament, lay down. The rustic doctor, who had already fed the dog, now examined his wounds; Eveline and her father retired to the room up stairs.
"Have I done all well?" asked the little girl. "Quite well, my child," answered the father, "I am satisfied with you."
"That is a beautiful rule," recommenced Eveline, "to pray before and after the repast. Why did we not do the same at home?"
"You are not wrong, my child," replied the Counsellor; "for fear of being like tradespeople, or appearing very hypocritical, much that is good is neglected!"
"Ah! what a beautiful prayer the old woman said before dinner," continued Eveline: "All eyes wait upon thee!"--"Do you know too, papa, how at home, when our Hector, or the other dogs, were fed in the hall, all gazed up so fixedly into the eyes of old Frantz? and as he turned his head, so went all the eyes like so many torches, right and left, still peeping at the old man, without ever blinking, until they at length obtained their portions. No other animal, no ox, tat, nor horse can so affectionately gaze into the eyes as the faithful dog. Even the smallest child is ashamed, when it begs so fervently. That sick dog looks thus hungrily at old Godfred, and immediately shuts its eyes, when dame Barbara glances that way. That is indeed a glorious thought, that here, in all towns, in all France, in all countries, and in the whole world, all hungry eyes, young and old, rise up to our Heavenly Father so devoutly, so confidingly, and it must also be pleasing to him, mighty and great as he is, when he beholds prayers and confidence shining from all parts wherever he turns. But indeed all men are not, or perhaps at all times grateful. Ah! dearest papa, how often have I, in my short little life, already been ungrateful to you! Forgive me, pray, good papa, how often have I sulked, when you would not give me a toy, or when you have kept me steadily to work, for then I forgot so intentionly in my ill-humour and wickedness, how much I ought to thank you, how you love me, and care for me. That God exists and gives me every thing, I have often forgotten the whole day long. But I will become better and more reasonable."
The father took his child in his arms, and his heart was gladdened by the prattle of simplicity.
CHAPTER VII.
Roland had in the mean while by several successful engagements entirely cleared the higher mountainland of the royal troops. The Camisards were incamped in safety in the woods, and upon the lofty mountain table lands, and all were rejoicing in the hope of soon beholding their worship and liberty of conscience reestablished. Edmond had been but slightly wounded in the last combat, and was now sitting by the side of Roland, that he might converse with him on the probable issue of the war. Cavalier was incamped opposite on the confines of the wood, surrounded by Clary, Marion, and other religious men, who were discoursing on ghostly matters. Upon the most elevated height stood Mazel, the charcoal-burner, Eustace, young Stephen, and a swarm of young people, all in the greatest excitement, for they were expecting the commander Castanet, who on this day intended to conduct Mariette, his bride, from the village below, in order to unite himself with her in the bonds of marriage. "So the God of love," said Lacoste deridingly, "has made his way even to these solitary mountains, and what is still more, into the enlightened hearts of such pious rebels of the woods? The old heathens were certainly quite right to call him, although a boy, the greatest among all the Gods."
"Cease your profitless mockery," said Marion, who had also climbed up to the summit, "our brother has been long since betrothed to her; the poor girl is there exposed to the daily peril of her life, because her connexion is known, here at least she will share the fortunes of her husband, and shall be protected by us; and if marriage be a holy ordinance, why should not the command of the Lord be fulfilled in the solitude of the mountains, under oppression and distress, with a religious, modest mind and christian humility?" "Do not trouble yourself," said Lacoste, "at least no expence or parade will attend the marriage, I think too, that neither bridegroom, nor any of the guests will retire nosily to bed."
At that moment Castanet, his bride and a croud of his friends issued from the wood, Cavalier and all the others advanced to greet them with kindness. The young girl was dark and not particularly tall: a peasant girl of a healthy robust appearance, a little embarrassed at first but in a short time she conducted herself with a composed and easy bearing in the circle of the brethren.