As both she
and her husband were poor, and could not, even if it were desirable,
adopt the children, there seemed nothing for it but, when the weather
cleared, to let them continue on their way.
"There is one thing, however, we can do to help them," said M.
Dupois. "I have decided to sell that corn and hay in Paris, and as
the horses are just eating their heads off with idleness just now in
their stables, the men shall take the wagons there instead of having
the train expenses; the children therefore can ride to Paris in the
wagons."
"That will take nearly a week, will it not, Gustave?" asked Mme.
Dupois.
"It will take three or four days, but I will provision the men. Yes,
I think it the best plan, and the surest way of disposing
advantageously of the hay and corn. The children may be ready to
start by Monday. The roads will be quite passable then."
So it was decided, and so it came to pass; Charles and Pauline
assuring Joe, who in turn informed Cecile and Maurice, that the
delights of riding in one of their papa's wagons passed all
description. Pauline gave Cecile not only a new hat but new boots and
a new frock. Maurice's scanty and shabby little wardrobe was also put
in good repair, nor was poor Joe neglected, and with tears and
blessing on both sides, these little pilgrims parted from those who
had most truly proved to them good Samaritans.
CHAPTER IX.
O MINE ENEMY!
Whatever good Cecile's purse of gold might be to her ultimately, at
present it was but a source of peril and danger.
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