When Marie Lefevre turned round, and saw what her little boy held, she looked displeased, and made him lay it on the stall again, for it was one of those papistical images which we hold in detestation.
At night, when all had dispersed but our own immediate party, there was a pause, and I saw that the elders had something on their minds that they were about to unfold.

I felt a strange emotion that presaged what was coming, for not a hint had been dropped.
"Son," said my father--and I looked towards him with awe--"you are now on the confines of manhood, and it behooves us to consider your future.
At your time of life I was betrothed to your mother, and a share was promised me of my father's business.

What are your own views respecting your course in life ?" All the elder people fixed their eyes on me with gravity, and Madeleine afterwards told me her heart stopped beating; while Gabrielle struggled with a disposition to laugh.
"My views are," returned I, boldly, "to follow my honored father, step by step, and, his concurrence obtained, to get betrothed as fast as I can." "Well said, my boy," said my father, heartily, while every face wore a broad smile but one, which was mantling with blushes.
"Provided," continued I, "that I may choose the young lady." "Let us know where your choice will fall," said my father, trying to keep the corners of his mouth in order, while M.Bourdinave scarcely suppressed a chuckle.
I stepped across the room, and took Madeleine's hand.

"Here is my choice," said I, "if she will have me.

We have known each other from childhood." Madeleine instantly snatched her hand away, and covered her face.
However, the next moment her father joined our hands, and gave us his blessing; and then we were bewildered with congratulations and good auguries; and Master Brignolles gave us a world of good advice, and offered a prayer; and my father gave me a ring of betrothal to put on her finger, and thus we became plighted to one another.
The rest of our stay at Beaucaire passed like a dream, and its brightness yet remained while we pursued our homeward journey.