Did the mother continue grateful?
Had the children met again, and had the happy chance of their first meeting lowered between them that barrier which may mark the different ranks of men, but should not divide them?
While putting these questions to myself, I slackened my pace, and fixed my eyes on the great gate, which I just perceived.

Suddenly I saw it open, and two children appeared at the entrance.

Although much grown, I recognized them at first sight; they were the child who was found near the parapet of the Louvre, and his young guide.

But the dress of the latter was greatly changed: his blouse of gray cloth was neat, and even spruce, and was fastened round the waist by a polished leather belt; he wore strong shoes, but made for his feet, and had on a new cloth cap.
Just at the moment I saw him, he held in his two hands an enormous bunch of lilacs, to which his companion was trying to add narcissuses and primroses; the two children laughed, and parted with a friendly good-by.
M.Duval's son did not go in till he had seen the other turn the corner of the street.
Then I accosted the latter, and reminded him of our former meeting; he looked at me for a moment, and then seemed to recollect me.
"Forgive me if I do not make you a bow," said he, merrily, "but I want both my hands for the nosegay Monsieur Charles has given me." "You are, then, become great friends ?" said I.
"Oh! I should think so," said the child; "and now my father is rich too!" "How's that ?" "Monsieur Duval lent him some money; he has taken a shop, where he works on his own account; and, as for me, I go to school." "Yes," replied I, remarking for the first time the cross that decorated his little coat; "and I see that you are head-boy!" "Monsieur Charles helps me to learn, and so I am come to be the first in the class." "Are you now going to your lessons ?" "Yes, and he has given me some lilacs; for he has a garden where we play together, and where my mother can always have flowers." "Then it is the same as if it were partly your own." "So it is! Ah! they are good neighbors indeed.

But here I am; good-by, sir." He nodded to me with a smile, and disappeared.
I went on with my walk, still pensive, but with a feeling of relief.
If I had elsewhere witnessed the painful contrast between affluence and want, here I had found the true union of riches and poverty.