"I did not touch the fruit, papa."
"Still obstinate! As the rod will not do, I shall try another method. Your mother, brothers, Eliza, and I, will be away for three days, and during that time you shall have nothing but bread and water, unless you ask your uncle's forgiveness."
"But, papa, won't you let him have some cheese with his bread?" whispered little Pauline.
"Yes, but not broccio."
"Ah do, papa, please let him have broccio 'tis the nicest cheese in Corsica!"
"That's the reason he does not deserve it," said his father, looking at the boy with an anxious expression, as if he hoped to see some sign of penitence on his face. But none such appearing, he proceeded toward the carriage.
Joseph and Lucien took a kind leave of their brother, but Eliza seemed unwilling and afraid to go near or look at him.
The three days passed on, heavily enough for poor Napoleon, who was in disgrace, and living on bread, water, and cheese, which was not broccio. At length the party returned, and little Panoria, who was watching for her friend Eliza, came with them into the house.
"Good-morning, uncle," said Madame Bonaparte to the archdeacon, "how are you? And where are Napoleon and Pauline?"
"Here I am, mamma," said the latter throwing her arms around her mother's neck.