"For once," thought Fougas, "I am not mistaken. This is surely the voice of Nature! I would have liked a soldier better, but this genial rustic, so comfortably rounded, satisfies my heart. I cannot be indebted to him for many gratifications of my pride; but never mind! I am sure of _his_ good-will." Dinner was served, and the table more heavily laden with viands than the stomach of Gargantua. Big Peter, as proud of his big family as of his little fortune, made the Colonel stand by as he enumerated his children. And Fougas was joyful at learning that he had six welcome grandchildren. He was seated at the right of a little stunted old woman who was presented to him as the grandmother of the youngsters. Heavens! how changed Clementine appeared to him. Save the eyes which were still lively and sparkling, there was no longer anything about her that could be recognized. "See," thought Fougas, "what I would have been like to-day, if the worthy John Meiser had not desiccated me!" He smiled to himself on regarding Grandfather Langevin, the reputed progenitor of this numerous family. "Poor old fellow," murmured Fougas, "you little think what you owe to me!" They dine boisterously at village weddings. This is an abuse which, I sincerely hope, Civilization will never reform. Under cover of the noise, Fougas entered into conversation, or thought he did, with his left-hand neighbor. "Clementine!" he said to her. She raised her eyes, and her nose too, and responded: "Yes, monsieur." "My heart has not deceived me, then?--you are indeed my Clementine!" "Yes, monsieur." "And you have recognized me, noble and excellent woman!" "Yes, monsieur." "But how did you conceal your emotion so well?---- How strong women are!---- I fall from the skies into the midst of your peaceful existence, and you see me without moving a muscle!" "Yes, monsieur." "Have you forgiven me for a seeming injury for which Destiny alone is responsible?" "Yes, monsieur." "Thanks! A thousand thanks!---- What a charming family you have about you! This good Pierre, who almost opened his arms on seeing me approach, is my son, is he not?" "Yes, monsieur." "Rejoice! He shall be rich! He already has happiness; I bring him fortune. His portion shall be a million. Oh, Clementine! what a commotion there will be in this simple assembly, when I raise my voice and say to my son: 'Here! this million is for you!' Is it a good time now? Shall I speak? Shall I tell all?" "Yes, monsieur." Fougas immediately arose, and requested silence. The people thought he was going to sing a song, and all kept quiet. "Pierre Langevin," said he with emphasis, "I have come back from the other world, and brought you a million."