Could he really survive such a sacrifice, must it not kill him?
Then Antoine kissed his father passionately, and the elder brothers in their turn embraced him with all their hearts.

Guillaume smiled and his eyes became moist.

After his victory over his horrible torments nothing could have been sweeter to him than the embraces of his three big sons.
There was, however, further emotion in store for him that evening.

Just as the daylight was departing, and he was sitting at his large table near the window, again checking and classifying the documents and plans connected with his invention, he was surprised to see his old master and friend Bertheroy enter the workroom.

The illustrious chemist called on him in this fashion at long intervals, and Guillaume felt the honour thus conferred on him by this old man to whom eminence and fame had brought so many titles, offices and decorations.