1206 #EUGENIE AND LEONCE

 

In saying these words, Eugenie rose, and, in
turning round, heard some one stirring behind her,
and at the same moment she perceived Leonce
hiding from her.

‘Oh my sweet wife,’ said he, ‘I heard all you said ;
forgive me for playing the listener. In trying to
secure this poor man’s happiness you have completed
mine, and have taught me also how much you merit
my love.’ :

Leonce was still speaking when Jerome woke.
Eugenie and her husband drew near to him. The
old man looked at them with an air full of astonish-
ment, and out of respect to them was about to rise,
Eugenie told him to be seated, but he said—

‘ My lady, I have work still to do; I fear I have
rested too long already.’

‘No,’ said Eugenie, ‘work no more to-day.’

‘Oh but I have need to do it,’

‘I will give you your day’s wages ; take this purse.
I hope ’twill make you as happy to receive it as it
makes me to give it to you.’

She then placed the purse in the trembling hands
of the old man. Leonce looked upon his wife with
more pride than he ever had done before.

The old man gazed on the purse with amazement