Amid all these heavy labors Francoise and Dominique adored each other.

They did not indulge in lovers' talks, but there was a smiling gentleness in their glances.
Up to that time Pere Merlier had not spoken a single word on the subject of marriage, and they respected this silence, awaiting the old man's will.

Finally one day toward the middle of July he caused three tables to be placed in the courtyard, beneath the great elm, and invited his friends of Rocreuse to come in the evening and drink a glass of wine with him.
When the courtyard was full and all had their glasses in their hands, Pere Merlier raised his very high and said: "I have the pleasure to announce to you that Francoise will wed this young fellow here in a month, on Saint Louis's Day." Then they drank noisily.

Everybody smiled.

But Pere Merlier, again lifting his voice, exclaimed: "Dominique, embrace your fiancee.