Indeed,
that three hundred and sixty acres was his salvation after he learned of
Zoe's death, and the other little Zoe, his grandchild, was denied to
him--to close his heart against what seemed that last hope, was it not
courage? And so, and so he has the reward of his own soul--a home at last
once more."
"With Virginie Poucette--Fille, Fille, how things come round!" exclaimed
the little lady in the tiny bonnet with the mauve strings.
"More than Virginie came round," he replied almost oracularly. "Who,
think you, brought him the news that coal was found on his acres--who but
the husband of Virginie's sister! Then came Virginie. On the day Jean
Jacques saw her again, he said to her, 'What you would have given me at
such cost, now let me pay for with the rest of my life. It is the great
thought which was in your heart that I will pay for with the days left to
me.'"
A flickering smile brightened the sensitive ascetic face, and humour was
in the eyes. "What do you think Virginie said to that? Her sister told
me. Virginie said to that, 'You will have more days left, Jean Jacques,
if you have a better cook. What do you like best for supper?' And Jean
Jacques laughed much at that. Years ago he would have made a speech at
it!"
"Then he is no more a philosopher?"
"Oh always, always, but in his heart, and not with his tongue.
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