e old people's
arms, and learnt the whole story, there came an extraordinary outburst
of delight; deafening acclamations arose once more; and what with their
enthusiastic greetings and embraces they almost stifled the messenger
from the sister family, that prince of the second dynasty of the
Froments which ruled in the land of the future France.

Mathieu gayly gave his orders: "There, place his cover in front of us!
He alone will be in front of us like the ambassador of some powerful
empire. Remember that, apart from his father and mother, he represents
nine brothers and seven sisters, without counting the four children that
he already has himself. There, my boy, sit down; and now let the service
continue."

The feast proved a mirthful one under the big oak tree whose shade was
spangled by the sunbeams. Delicious freshness arose from the grass,
friendly nature seemed to contribute its share of caresses. The laughter
never ceased, old folks became playful children once more in presence of
the ninety and the eighty-seven years of the bridegroom and the bride.
Faces beamed softly under white and dark and sunny hair; the whole
assembly was joyful, beautiful with a healthy rapturous beauty; the
children radiant, the youths superb, the maidens adorable, the married
folk united, side by side. And what good appetites there were! What a
gay tumult greeted the advent of each fresh dish! And how the good wine
was honored to celebrate the goodness of life which had granted the two
patriarchs the supreme grace of assembling them all at their table on
such a glorious occasion! At dessert came toasts and health-drinking and
fresh acclamations. But, amid all the chatter which flew from one to
the other end of the table, the conversation invariably reverted to
the surprise at the outset: that triumphal entry of the brotherly
ambassador. It was he, his unexpected presence, all that he had not
yet said, all the adventurous romance which he surely personated, that
fanned the growing fever, the excitement of the family, intoxicated
by that open-air gala. And as soon as the coffee was served no end of
questions arose on every side, and he had to speak out.

"Well, what can I say?" he replied, laughing, to a question put to him
by Ambroise, who wished to know what he thought of Chantebled, where
he had taken him for a stroll during the morning. "I'm afraid that if
I speak in all frankness, you won't think me very complimentary.
Cultivation