Old Rouault was seeing him off; they were walking along the road full of ruts; they were about to part.

This was the time.

Charles gave himself as far as to the corner of the hedge, and at last, when past it-- "Monsieur Rouault," he murmured, "I should like to say something to you." They stopped.

Charles was silent.
"Well, tell me your story.

Don't I know all about it ?" said old Rouault, laughing softly.
"Monsieur Rouault--Monsieur Rouault," stammered Charles.
"I ask nothing better", the farmer went on.