I was very much cramped, but that was no matter.

The church-bells began to ring; and Antoine said, in a low voice, "How pitiable are the poor people who are now going to vespers on compulsion! Where will all this end?
Can it be that he who now goeth forth weeping, and bearing good seed, shall return again in joy, bringing his sheaves with him ?" I said, "The Lord's hand is not straitened, that he cannot save.

What is impossible with man is possible with God." "Oh that we may live to see it, sir." We came up with a wagon, with the driver of which Antoine fell into conversation for some time, but what they said I could not well hear.
At length we reached the water-side, at a landing-place where a boat laden with kitchen stuff was awaiting us.

Here Antoine saw me safely placed in charge of the boatman, who bade me never fear, for he would safely carry me to Bordeaux.

We pushed off: the moon shone cold and bright; the air on the river felt fresh and chill.