14
THE NEW CARTHAGE
the absent, stretched their arms toward him. He threw himself toward them, but Monsieur Dobouziez with an ironic "Stop it, young rascal!" seized him in full flight. Bells were ringing. He was throwing the China-aster, Gina's gift, into the collection plate. The flower fell with a clink like that of a gold-piece, accompanied by the sprightly laugh of his little cousin, and the sound put to flight the mocking goblins and the pitying shades…
Such was the initiation of Laurent Paridael into his new family life…
