CHAPTER XLII

BREST, 13_th June_, 1878.

We are staying for to-day at a casual lodging in the Rue de Siam at Brest, where the _Ariane_ anchored this morning.

In reply to the advice of his arrival, Yves received from Toulven, from his wife's father, the following telegram:

"Little son born last night. Is going on very well. Marie also.

"CORENTIN KEREMENEN."

When night came and we were in bed it was impossible to sleep. I heard Yves turning in his bed, "going about" as he said in his Breton accent. At the thought that on the morrow he would be on the road to Toulven to see his little firstborn, his honest manly heart overflowed with all kinds of sentiments which were quite new to him.

Two days after him, I, too, would be due at Toulven for the baptism.

And he made a thousand and one projects for this ceremony:

"I hardly dare to say it, but, if you would like, at Toulven, to stay with us. . . . At my father-in-law's place, you know. . . . To be sure it is not like the town, as I need not tell you. . . ."