He went to LEscargots bed, and that, too,
wasempty.
He is the son of that ToinetteGaux, the woman they
call La Grenouille.
You see, Cécile explained, the little boy and I
wished to offercandles, and I had no money with me. Why, some of it we use in
cooking, and the rest I think mydaughter gives to our neighbours. Monseigneur,
Houssart whispered, now that I have seen him in thelight, I recognize this child. At
last the fall of water on the roof grew fainter, and the lightclearer.
The new Bishop had called but twice since his
returnfrom France. It once happened that Toinette fell inlove, and then she made
great promises of reform.
Ah, that I cannot tell, Monseigneur, replied
Houssart.
Pour a little cognac init, and bring any bread
there is in the house.
A light, sticky snowhad fallen irresolutely, at
intervals, all day.
This morning the church was empty, except for an
oldman and three women at their prayers. I wish I hadsome sweetmeats; you do not
often pay me a visit. Every fall Auclair put down six dozens of them inmelted lard.
He wassitting on the edge of a narrow bed, wrapped in a blanket, in thelight of a
blazing fire. The childrensat contentedly in their corner, feeling the goodness of
shelter. The new Bishop had called but twice since his returnfrom France. Sit down
there, little man, and let me see.
She saw he wanted very much to light a
candle.
It was on days like this that she lovedher town
best. Jacques, Cécile asked wonderingly, do you know MonseigneurLaval? He carried
acane and seemed to move his legs with some difficulty under hislong, black gown. He
slippeda piece of money into her hand. Toinette took him in,drove her old
sweethearts away, and married him.
Not knowing where to turn, he took the only forward
waythere was, up Mountain Hill.
You might tell me about some nice saint, said
Jacques presently. For some reason the Count always called him Giorgio, and that
hadbecome his name in Quebec. Toinette Gaux had returned home meanwhile, and was
frightened atmissing her son. Before she came up to thechildren, a light sprinkle
began to fall.
Only after the death of her young husband and
infant son had shebecome a religious. And is there nothing you would like
foryourself? Its been a long time since we were in here together, Cécilewhispered.
Certainly the new Bishop had ceased to patronizehim, which was a grief to Pommiers
pious mother. I am very wellpleased with you, Cécile, because you do so well for
your father. On manyof the wagons there were boxes full of earth, with rooted
lettuceplants growing in them.
Her figure emergedfrom the dusk in a rich, oily,
yellow light. Old Bishop Laval,who never spared himself, had been down to the square
to sit withthe sick woman. Thestatue of King Louis, with a cloak and helmet of snow,
lookedterrifying in the moonlight.
Observingthe little boy closely, he had come to
feel a real affection forhim.