He pushed open the door and entered, saying:
"Louise, here I am back!"
She bounded like a fawn to him and threw her arms around his neck, exclaiming:
"It is you, Father Jean-Claude! How I have been waiting for you! How long you were gone! But you are home again, at last."
"My child—many things"—said the good man, putting away his staff behind the door—"many things kept—"
But his heart was too full; he could say no more.
"Yes, yes, I know," cried Louise, laughing. "Mother Lefevre told me all."
"How is that! You know all and only laugh? Well, it proves your good sense. I expected to see you weep."
"Weep? And why, Father Jean-Claude? Oh! never fear for me; I am brave. You do not know me."
Her air was so prettily resolute that Hullin could not help smiling; but his smile quickly disappeared when she added: