"Come, come, young man, courage! We are no longer children."
He looked at Catharine.
"I see all," said he to Monsieur Goulden. "I can understand why he does not want to go."
The drums beat in the street and he added.
"We have yet twenty minutes before starting," and, throwing a glance at me, "Do not fail to be at the first call, young man," said he, pressing Monsieur Goulden's hand.
He went out, and we heard his horse at the door.
The morning was overcast, and grief overwhelmed me. I could not leave Catharine.
Suddenly the roll beat. The drums were all collected in the Place. Monsieur Goulden, taking the knapsack by its straps, said in a grave voice:
"Joseph, now the last embrace; it is time to go."