"That alters the case," said Dagobert, with a sigh of regret."I thought to make my first parade through Paris with you this morning; but it must be deferred in favor of your work.It is sacred: since it is that which sustains your mother.Nevertheless, it is vexatious, devilish vexatious.
And yet no--I am unjust.See how quickly one gets habituated to and spoilt by happiness.I growl like a true grumbler, at a walk being put off for a few hours! I do this! I who, during eighteen years, have only hoped to see you once more, without daring to reckon very much upon it!
Oh! I am but a silly old fool! Vive l'amour et cogni--I mean--my Agricola!" And, to console himself, the old soldier gayly slapped his son's shoulder.
This seemed another omen of evil to the blacksmith; for he dreaded one moment to another lest the fears of Mother Bunch should be realized.
"Now that I have recovered myself," said Dagobert, laughing, "let us speak of business.Know you where I find the addresses of all the notaries in Paris?"
"I don't know; but nothing is more easy than to discover it."
"My reason is," resumed Dagobert, "that I sent from Russia by post, and by order of the mother of the two children that I have brought here, some important papers to a Parisian notary.As it was my duty to see this notary immediately upon my arrival, I had written his name and his address in a portfolio, of which however, I have been robbed during my journey; and as I have forgotten his devil of a name, it seems to me, that if I should see it again in the list of notaries, I might recollect it."
Two knocks at the door of the garret made Agricola start.He involuntarily thought of a warrant for his apprehension.
His father, who, at the sound of the knocking turned round his head, had not perceived his emotion, and said with a loud voice: "Come in!" The door opened.It was Gabriel.He wore a black cassock and a broad-
brimmed hat.
To recognize his brother by adoption, and to throw himself into his arms, were two movements performed at once by Agricola--as quick as thought.--