Count D’Orsay could not be pacified until Mr. Van Rasseulger promised that the boys should visit him at the Hôtel D’Orsay, on their return to France.
His conscience smote him for his unjust severity and unkindness, all the more for the frank, confiding way in which the two little heroes begged him to forget the incident.
When they shook hands cordially with him, a glad cheer ascended from the throng of servants and spectators, whose honest hearts took a lively interest in the affair.
The boys and Froll were made much of; and Mr. Lacelle delighted Johnny for hours with accounts of the wonders of the sea, so that the young gentleman, completely fascinated, made up his mind to be a submarine diver when he grew up.
Froll’s collar was tightened, and she was fastened to her cage, after having a bountiful feast of nuts.
When the evening was about half spent, a waiter brought a large parcel to the door. It was addressed to “The Two Young Gentlemen at Room No. 37,” and contained books, toys, games, and confectionery, of which the count begged their acceptance.
“This has been a day of adventures,” said Eric, as he and Johnny were retiring late at night.
“Yes,” answered Johnny, sleepily, nestling between the sheets, “it has been a day of adventures, beginning with the wonderful clock, and ending with—Froll’s—Froll’s—the count—” and with a little more indistinct muttering, Johnny was fast asleep. Eric had read his chapter, and said his prayers with Johnny; but now, as he looked at his little cousin asleep, a sudden impulse seized him, and falling upon his knees by the bedside, he prayed that his influence over Johnny might always be for good, and that God would bless the bright, loving little boy, and make him a lamb of His fold for the good Shepherd’s sake.