"You don't know what you refuse," rejoined the hunter. "If you go into the city, you will be put to school, where you can study all departments of art and science. There are theatres, where skilful musicians will enchant your ears by harmony. There are rich saloons, to which you will be admitted, to enjoy splendid fêtes. And since you so much love the country, you shall pass your summer vacation with me in a superb chateau which I possess."
"Well, I am greatly obliged to you," replied the shepherd boy; "but I think I had better stop with father and mother. I can learn everything useful in our village school. I am taught to fear God, to honor my parents, and to imitate their virtues. I don't wish to learn anything beyond that. Then your musicians, which you tell about, do they sing any better than the nightingale or the golden robin? Then we have our concerts and our fêtes. We are right down happy when we are all together on Sunday evening under the trees. My sister sings, while I accompany her upon my flute. Our chants can be heard a long way off, and echo repeats them. And in the evening, when we stay in the house, grandfather is with us. We love him so much because he is so good. No, I will not leave my parents. I will not renounce their home, if it is humble. I cannot go to the city with you."
The hunter saw that it was of no use to argue the point; so he said,--
"What shall I give you, then, to express my gratitude for your services? Take this purse, filled with gold."
"What need have I of it? We are poor, but we want nothing. Besides, if I accept your money, I should _sell_ the little service I have been able to render. That would be wrong; my mother would blame me for such conduct. She tells me that we ought always to assist those who are in trouble and want without expecting pay for it."
"Generous boy! What shall I give you as a mark of my gratitude? You must accept something, or I shall be greatly disappointed."
"Is it so?" asked Marcellin, playfully. "Then give me the cup which is suspended at your side--that one on which is engraved a picture of some dogs pursuing a stag."
The hunter joyfully gave the cup to the happy shepherd boy, who, having once more indicated the way which would lead to the city, bade him good day, and went back to his flock.