The game was over; and with feverish longing he now awaited the recompense for his devotion.

On the Sunday--he had not hoped for it until the following day--he received a letter from Eugene.
Since the previous Thursday Felicite had taken care to send her son the numbers of the "Gazette" and "Independant" which, in special second editions had narrated the battle of the night and the arrival of the prefect at Plassans.

Eugene now replied by return of post that the nomination of a receivership would soon be signed; but added that he wished to give them some good news immediately.

He had obtained the ribbon of the Legion of Honour for his father.

Felicite wept with joy.
Her husband decorated! Her proud dream had never gone as far as that.
Rougon, pale with delight, declared they must give a grand dinner that very evening.