Just at this time it was too much for Jean-Louis; nearly fainting, he fell on his knees by the side of Ragaud; he threw his arms around him, pressed him to his breast, and kissed him in the tenderest manner, to the great astonishment of the good farmer, who could not understand such a wonderful display of affection.
"Good, good," said he; "but be easy, Jeannet. Don't I tell you I am no longer angry?"
"O my father! my dear father!" cried the child, "how can I ever repay you?"
And seeing that Ragaud looked at him in amazement, he added, sobbing,
"Father, mother, I know all...."
"Explain yourself," said Ragaud, beginning to understand what he meant. "What do you know, my child?"
"All" he repeated in a tone which expressed everything.
"There," cried good Pierrette, her heart melting with pity, "I understand. I know now what he means. But after fourteen years that the secret has been so well kept, where has the creature been found wicked enough to make this poor child so unhappy?"
"Dear mother," exclaimed Jean-Louis, "he who told it to me did it from true kindness of heart; you must not be displeased with him. It is to him I owe my life, after God and you. Do not mistake my tears; they do not come from grief, but from the gratitude which will last through all eternity."