But his father had been as proud as he was, and had not sent any such message.

Or rather, perhaps, the father being older and less impatient, had thought that a temporary absence from Granpere might be good for his son.
It was late at night when George Voss went to bed, but he was up in the morning early to see Edmond Greisse before the roulage should start for Munster on its road to Granpere.

Early times in that part of the world are very early, and the roulage was ready in the back court of the inn at half-past four in the morning.
'What?
you up at this hour ?' said Edmond.
'Why not?
It is not every day we have a friend here from Granpere, so I thought I would see you off.' 'That is kind of you.' 'Give my love to them at the old house, Edmond.' 'Of course I will.' 'To father, and Madame Voss, and the children, and to Marie.' 'All right.' 'Tell Marie that you have told me of her marriage.' 'I don't know whether she'll like to talk about that to me.' 'Never mind; you tell her.

She won't bite you.

Tell her also that I shall be over at Granpere soon to see her and the rest of them.
I'll be over--as soon as ever I can get away.' 'Shall I tell your father that ?' 'No.