Now that Reine's explanation enabled him to view the matter from a different standpoint, he found Claudet's attitude toward him both intelligible and excusable.

In fact, the lad was acting in accordance with a very legitimate feeling of mingled pride and anger.

After all, he really was Claude de Buxieres's son--a natural son, certainly, but one who had been implicitly acknowledged both in private and in public by his father.

If the latter had had time to draw up the incomplete will which had been found, he would, to all appearances, have made Claudet his heir.
Therefore, the fortune of which Julien had become possessed, he owed to some unexpected occurrence, a mere chance.

Public opinion throughout the entire village tacitly recognized and accepted the 'grand chasserot' as son of the deceased, and if this recognition had been made legally, he would have been rightful owner of half the property.
"Now that I have been made acquainted with this position of affairs, what is my duty ?" asked Julien of himself.