“Hem!” said the curé, “he is proud; that remains to be seen....”
“Oh! I would beg him so hard,” replied Jeanne.
“In the first place, my child, we must put our hands on him; and there is the difficulty. Jeannet is not a boy to change his resolution like a weathercock that turns to [pg 051] every wind. And if he has enlisted, you will have to run after his regiment.”
“Poor child!” said Ragaud, “he don't know that he has a little fortune stowed away in a safe place, and that it increases every year. If it should cost three thousand francs, I will redeem him, no matter where, no matter when.”
“Father,” said Jeanne, “before leaving M. le Curé, let me ask you one favor in his presence.”
“Speak, my child, I promise it to you in advance,” answered the good man.
“That you will never speak to me of marriage,” replied the little thing in a firm voice, “and that you will let me assist my mother in all her labors in the fields.”
“And when mademoiselle comes back?” asked the curé, with a spice of mischief.
“Oh! I understand too well that my place is no longer at the château; all our troubles have come from my having lived there too long,” said she.
“Jeanne Ragaud,” said M. le Curé, “always think so, and conform your conduct to your words; and if you will persevere in your resolution, in the name of the Lord I promise you that these trials will pass, and that you will yet have many happy days.”