look at her over the wooden partition which divides the compartments. A
child, at sight of her, began to cry with terror, another concealed his
face in his mother's apron. Everything went off well, however, up to
their arrival at their destination. But when the train slackened its rate
of motion as they drew near Yvetot, Antoine felt: ill at ease, as he
would have done at a review when; he did not know his drill practice.
Then, as he; leaned his head out, he recognized in the distance: his
father, holding the bridle of the horse harnessed to a carryall, and his
mother, who had come forward to the grating, behind which stood those who
were expecting friends.

He alighted first, gave his hand to his sweetheart, and holding himself
erect, as if he were escorting a general, he went to meet his family.

The mother, on seeing this black lady in variegated costume in her son's
company, remained so stupefied that she could not open her mouth; and the
father found it hard to hold the horse, which the engine or the negress
caused to rear continuously. But Antoine, suddenly filled with unmixed
joy at seeing once more the old people, rushed forward with open arms,
embraced his mother, embraced his father, in spite of the nag's fright,
and then turning toward his companion, at whom the passengers on the
platform stopped to stare with amazement, he proceeded to explain:

"Here she is! I told you that, at first sight, she is not attractive; but
as soon as you know her, I can assure you there's not a better sort in
the whole world. Say good-morning to her so that she may not feel badly."

Thereupon Mere Boitelle, almost frightened out of her wits, made a sort
of curtsy, while the father took off his cap, murmuring: