122 EUGENIE AND LEONCE

learned that Jerome was a man very much respected
by all the villagers, that he was very honest, and the
best brother and grandfather in the whole country.

‘Let us go at once then,’ said Eugenie; ‘I have
the purse in my pocket that my father-in-law gave
me; let us away and share some of the money with
the poor family.’

Eugenie took Valentine’s arm, and both went out,
after instructing the servant to tell Leonce, who was
engaged in the next room, that they had gone on a
short errand and would return soon.

They arrived at the field where Jerome usually
was working and sought him everywhere about ;
but, not being able to find him, they inquired
of some of the other workmen if Jerome had not
been there to-day. They said yes, but that the
dreadful heat of the sun had forced him to retire for
a while, and that he had gone to seek a few moments’
repose in the shade, and that they thought he was at
the river side under one of the trees.

Eugenie and Valentine turned in the direction the
workmen told them, and soon perceived the old man
asleep and surrounded by his four grandchildren.
They approached gently for fear of disturbing him,
and stopped a-few moments at a little distance in