"They have."
"The notary, and the curé?"
"Rest easy. You alone are keeping us waiting."
At this moment Clerbaut, an old crony, came in. "Well, old Cornbutte," cried he, "here's luck! Your ship has arrived at the very moment that the government has decided to contract for a large quantity of wood for the navy!"
"What is that to me?" replied Jean Cornbutte. "What care I for the government?"
"You see, Monsieur Clerbaut," said Marie, "one thing only absorbs us,—Louis's return."
"I don't dispute that," replied Clerbaut. "But—in short—this purchase of wood——"
"And you shall be at the wedding," replied Jean Cornbutte, interrupting the merchant, and shaking his hand as if he would crush it.
"This purchase of wood——"
"And with all our friends, landsmen and seamen, Clerbaut. I have already informed everybody, and I shall invite the whole crew of the ship."
"And shall we go and await them on the pier?" asked Marie.
"Indeed we will," replied Jean Cornbutte. "We will defile, two by two, with the violins at the head."
Jean Cornbutte's invited guests soon arrived. Though it was very early, not a single one failed to appear. All congratulated the honest old sailor whom they loved. Meanwhile Marie, kneeling down, changed her prayers to God into thanksgivings. She soon returned, lovely and decked out, to the company; all the women kissed her, while the men vigorously grasped her by the hand.
It was a curious sight to see this joyous group taking its way, at sunrise, towards the sea. The news of the ship's arrival had spread through the port, and many heads, in nightcaps, appeared at windows and half-opened doors. Compliments and pleasant nods came from every side.
The party reached the pier in the midst of a concert of praise and blessings. The weather was magnificent, and the sun seemed to take part in the festivity. A fresh north wind made the waves foam; and some fishing-smacks, their sails trimmed for leaving port, streaked the sea with their rapid wakes between the breakwaters.
