Volume II Part 71 (1/2)
”Would you like to go with me away from here--far away?”
”Oh yes, brother!”
”Well, in two or three days all three of us leave the island.”
”How glad I am!” cried Amandine, clapping her hands.
”But where shall we go to?” asked Francois.
”You shall see, inquisitive; but never mind, wherever we go, you shall learn a good trade, which will make you able to earn your living, that is sure.”
”Shall I not go any more fis.h.i.+ng with you, brother?”
”No, my boy; you shall go as an apprentice to a cabinet-maker or a locksmith. You are strong and active; with courage, and by working hard, at the end of a year you will be able to earn something. Oh, come now, what is the matter? You do not appear to be pleased.”
”Because, brother, I--”
”Well, go on.”
”Would rather remain with you, fish, mend your nets, than learn a trade.”
”Really?”
”To be shut up in a shop all day is so gloomy; and to be an apprentice is so tiresome.” Martial shrugged his shoulders.
”You would rather be idle, a vagabond, a rover,” said he severely, ”before becoming a robber?”
”No, brother; but I would rather live here with you, as we live here-- that's all.”
”Yes, that's it--to eat, drink, sleep, and amuse yourself with fis.h.i.+ng, like a lazybones.”
”I like that better.”
”It is very probable; but you must like something else. Look here, my poor Francois, it is high time that I take you from this place; without knowing it, you will become as bad as the others. Mother was right--I am afraid you are rather vicious. But you, Amandine, wish to learn a trade?”
”Oh, yes, brother; I would rather learn one than stay here. I shall be so glad to go away with you and Francois?”
”But what have you got on your head?” said Martial, remarking the triumphant head-dress of Amandine.
”A handkerchief which Nicholas gave me.”
”He gave me one also,” said Francois proudly.
”And where did they come from? It would surprise me if Nicholas should have bought them for you.”
The children hung their heads, without replying. After a moment's pause, Francois said resolutely, ”Nicholas gave them to us; we don't know where they came from, do we, Amandine?”
”No, no, brother,” answered she, stammering and blus.h.i.+ng, and not daring to raise her eyes.”
”Do not tell a lie!” said Martial sweetly.