"Good-morning, father," said the marshal, respectfully, as he affectionately embraced the old workman, who, having tenderly returned the pressure, said to him: "Put on your hat, my boy.But how gay we are!" added he, with a smile.
"I have just been to a review, father, close by; and I took the opportunity to call on you as soon as possible."
"But shall I then not see my granddaughters to-day, as I do every Sunday?"
"They are coming in a carriage, father, and Dagobert accompanies them."
"But what is the matter? you appear full of thought."
"Indeed, father," said the marshal, with a somewhat agitated air, "I have serious things to talk about."
"Come in, then," said the old man, with some anxiety.The marshal and his father disappeared at the turn of the avenue.
Angela had been struck with amazement at seeing this brilliant General, who was entitled "your grace," salute an old workman in a blouse as his father; and, looking at Agricola with a confused air she said to him:
"What, M.Agricola! this old workman--"
"Is the father of Marshal Duke de Ligny--the friend--yes, I may say the friend," added Agricola, with emotion, "of my father, who for twenty years served under him in war.'
"To be placed so high, and yet to be so respectful and tender to his father!" said Angela."The marshal must have a very noble heart; but why does he let his father remain a workman?"
"Because Father Simon will not quit his trade and the factory for anything in the world.He was born a workman, and he will die a workman, though he is the father of a duke and marshal of France."
[29] See Adolphe Bobierre "On Air and Health," Paris, 1844.