Thus Denis alone had been taken into the other's confidence.
When all those seated at the table saw Dominique in the old people's
arms, and learnt the whole story, there came an extraordinary outburst of
delight; deafening acclamations arose once more; and what with their
enthusiastic greetings and embraces they almost stifled the messenger
from the sister family, that prince of the second dynasty of the Froments
which ruled in the land of the future France.
Mathieu gayly gave his orders: "There, place his cover in front of us! He
alone will be in front of us like the ambassador of some powerful empire.
Remember that, apart from his father and mother, he represents nine
brothers and seven sisters, without counting the four children that he
already has himself. There, my boy, sit down; and now let the service
continue."
The feast proved a mirthful one under the big oak tree whose shade was
spangled by the sunbeams. Delicious freshness arose from the grass,
friendly nature seemed to contribute its share of caresses. The laughter
never ceased, old folks became playful children once more in presence of
the ninety and the eighty-seven years of the bridegroom and the bride.
Pages:
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
773
774
775
776
777
778