"Undoubtedly," replied the notary; "your children would be unnatural to let it be otherwise. I have done all for the best, for I suppose you do not wish to oblige my son to marry under the dotal law?"
"What is the dotal law?" said Ragaud.
"It is the greatest disgrace that can be imposed on a man," gravely replied the notary.
"Oh! I beg pardon, M. Perdreau; and so in your paper there is no question of that?"
"Certainly not," said the notary. "I have drawn up the papers for the good father and honorable man that you are."
"Then it is all right, and I have nothing more to do but to thank you," said the honest farmer.
"We could both sign it this evening," said the head rascal.
"There is no hurry," said Ragaud; "we will do that when all the family are present, before my wife and the children. I wish Jeannet to sign it also."
"Sign? Your Jean-Louis can't sign it," said the notary, "as he has no name; the law, M. Ragaud, does not recognize illegitimate children."