Francine made an affirmative sign.
—"Well, then," Ropars went on, "you must go and pass a few days with Uncle Dorot; and as we have no boat, I am going to carry you over the passage. Won't you be quiet in the middle of the sea, when you have papa's shoulders for a skiff?"
The child shuddered.—"I would rather stay," said she, in hurried accents.
—"But that's impossible," rejoined the father; "I want to carry you to the powder-magazine. It must be so, and we are to set out directly. But if you are not brave, if you think of calling out, the way will be harder, and perhaps something serious may happen to me. Do you understand?"
—"Yes ... yes ... I won't go," replied the little girl, beginning to tremble.
Geneviève drew her once more into her arms. "Hush, hush!" said she, laying her lips upon Francine's hair, and rocking her upon her breast, "children ought to obey.... God has ordained it ... do what you are bidden ... for your papa, ... for me ... for Josèphe.... If she could speak she would tell you to be good and obedient.... Would you make her sorrowful in Heaven?"
—"Oh! no," cried the child, throwing herself again into Mathieu's arms.
—"Then you will come?" asked he.
—"Yes," murmured the little girl.
—"And you won't be afraid; you won't say a word?"