some word that would make him know that his presence was again
desired at Granpere. But his father had been as proud as he was,
and had not sent any such message. Or rather, perhaps, the father
being older and less impatient, had thought that a temporary absence
from Granpere might be good for his son.

It was late at night when George Voss went to bed, but he was up in
the morning early to see Edmond Greisse before the roulage should
start for Munster on its road to Granpere. Early times in that part
of the world are very early, and the roulage was ready in the back
court of the inn at half-past four in the morning.

'What? you up at this hour?' said Edmond.

'Why not? It is not every day we have a friend here from Granpere,
so I thought I would see you off.'

'That is kind of you.'

'Give my love to them at the old house, Edmond.'

'Of course I will.'

'To father, and Madame Voss, and the children, and to Marie.'

'All right.'

'Tell Marie that you have told me of her marriage.'

'I don't know whether she'll like to talk about that to me.'