124 ELUGENIE AND LEONCE

little branches in their hands keeping off the flies and
midges from his face. ‘The little girl; on seeing the
strangers advance, held up her hand and made signs
to them not to make any noise. Eugenie smiled, and
walked very slowly on tip-toe. She embraced the
little girl in silence, then. said in a low voice—

‘I want to speak with your grandfather when he
wakes. You can go away a little and play with your
brothers, and do not come till I tell you.’

The child withdrew as she was bidden, but showed
some reluctance, as also her brothers, and they said
that ’t was only on condition that Eugenie would
promise to keep the flies from tormenting their
grandfather. Eugenie agreed to do so, and taking
one of the little branches, sat down under the tree
with Valentine.

Then Eugenie took her purse from her pocket and
counted ten sovereigns on her lap, and, looking at
the old man, said to Valentine—

‘How calm he sleeps! How imposing his face
appears! Eighty years of age, and still having to
work so hard! What a great deal he must have had
to endure in the course of so long a life !’

‘Remember, madam, the joy that awaits him when
he wakes. Ten sovereigns will be to hima great gift.’