am truly free.
âI have considered your generous offer, sir, and I wish to remain in Nouvelle-Caledonie. There are many opportunities here and my skills could be useful in Noumea. I am also happy to be living with the people of Noumea as they have always treated me with kindness.â
âWell done, young man. Now step over to the table and sign your pardon before my notary. Here is a note from me as well, to present to the menâs clothing store. As my gift to you, please choose a new pair of boots, two new shirts and one pair of trousers to assist you in your new life. There is also a small packet of money here on the table to help you until you are paid by the Government Garden. Duphly still requires your assistance and you can continue to live in the garden shed until you take possession of your land and begin to build your own home. Enjoy and respect your freedom and you will create a fine life for yourself here with us.â
As the commandant rose, he formally embraced Jacques then cried out, âTo the Glory of France!â
Jacques replied, âTo the Glory of France! And thank you, sir, for your generosity. I will never disappoint you.â
He signed his paper with a flourish and as waves of joy engulfed him, Jacques made his way toward the clothing shop. For the first time in many years he wanted to sing. He began to run and then to jump - free, free at last. Finally he could write to Uncle Leon and Aunt Cecine, telling them he was alive and well, with an opportunity to create a good life here. Just the thought of casting off his shabby clothing, to enjoy fresh meat, cheese and fruit again, to determine his future and earn some money, to fall in love and even to marry - all these wonderful possibilities put a great spring in his step.
XI
CHRISTMAS Mass was beautiful this year. The church was filled with fresh flowers, another organist had been found and the weather was sunny and cool. Clotilde walked to the church dressed in her lovely new outfit, as she exchanged greetings with everyone she met along the way. At the end of the service she was startled to see Jacques seated among the congregation. He looked so handsome in a new shirt, trousers and boots. His hair had been trimmed, instead of being tied back with a cord. He saw her and smiled as he moved toward her, confident and assured.
â Joyeux Noel ,â he greeted her.
âJacques, you have received your pardon,â she blurted out.
âIndeed I have. You are looking at a free man now and one who wishes to walk with you as you return to your home. May I have this honour?â
âYes, you may.â Yet as they left together, she suddenly became worried. Would the people of Noumea, all her pupils and their parents, accept herself and Jacques walking together? To her great relief, everyone smiled and greeted them as they made their way out of the church grounds. Others pressed toward Jacques, expressing their happiness at seeing him move freely among them. Many greeted Clotilde and wished her a Joyeux Noel . Two of her smallest pupils approached to admire the lovely dress and touch the lace on her sleeves.
As she and Jacques moved away he suggested they make a tour of the Government Garden, as the day was such a fine one. She was delighted to accompany him as he pointed out several features she hadnât noticed before. He also showed her the new flowers he had planted especially for Christmas.
âThese were sent to me on the ship that carried Satine and Germond back to Tahiti. They are flowers that have never been seen here on Nouvelle-Caledonie before.â
âOh, they are so large and colourful. I would love to make a drawing of each of them.â
As the afternoon passed Clotilde suddenly felt very hungry. âJacques, I need something to eat and you must be starving. I have cooked a small ham and would be very happy to have you join me for a late afternoon Christmas dinner.â
Returning to her
âI have considered your generous offer, sir, and I wish to remain in Nouvelle-Caledonie. There are many opportunities here and my skills could be useful in Noumea. I am also happy to be living with the people of Noumea as they have always treated me with kindness.â
âWell done, young man. Now step over to the table and sign your pardon before my notary. Here is a note from me as well, to present to the menâs clothing store. As my gift to you, please choose a new pair of boots, two new shirts and one pair of trousers to assist you in your new life. There is also a small packet of money here on the table to help you until you are paid by the Government Garden. Duphly still requires your assistance and you can continue to live in the garden shed until you take possession of your land and begin to build your own home. Enjoy and respect your freedom and you will create a fine life for yourself here with us.â
As the commandant rose, he formally embraced Jacques then cried out, âTo the Glory of France!â
Jacques replied, âTo the Glory of France! And thank you, sir, for your generosity. I will never disappoint you.â
He signed his paper with a flourish and as waves of joy engulfed him, Jacques made his way toward the clothing shop. For the first time in many years he wanted to sing. He began to run and then to jump - free, free at last. Finally he could write to Uncle Leon and Aunt Cecine, telling them he was alive and well, with an opportunity to create a good life here. Just the thought of casting off his shabby clothing, to enjoy fresh meat, cheese and fruit again, to determine his future and earn some money, to fall in love and even to marry - all these wonderful possibilities put a great spring in his step.
XI
CHRISTMAS Mass was beautiful this year. The church was filled with fresh flowers, another organist had been found and the weather was sunny and cool. Clotilde walked to the church dressed in her lovely new outfit, as she exchanged greetings with everyone she met along the way. At the end of the service she was startled to see Jacques seated among the congregation. He looked so handsome in a new shirt, trousers and boots. His hair had been trimmed, instead of being tied back with a cord. He saw her and smiled as he moved toward her, confident and assured.
â Joyeux Noel ,â he greeted her.
âJacques, you have received your pardon,â she blurted out.
âIndeed I have. You are looking at a free man now and one who wishes to walk with you as you return to your home. May I have this honour?â
âYes, you may.â Yet as they left together, she suddenly became worried. Would the people of Noumea, all her pupils and their parents, accept herself and Jacques walking together? To her great relief, everyone smiled and greeted them as they made their way out of the church grounds. Others pressed toward Jacques, expressing their happiness at seeing him move freely among them. Many greeted Clotilde and wished her a Joyeux Noel . Two of her smallest pupils approached to admire the lovely dress and touch the lace on her sleeves.
As she and Jacques moved away he suggested they make a tour of the Government Garden, as the day was such a fine one. She was delighted to accompany him as he pointed out several features she hadnât noticed before. He also showed her the new flowers he had planted especially for Christmas.
âThese were sent to me on the ship that carried Satine and Germond back to Tahiti. They are flowers that have never been seen here on Nouvelle-Caledonie before.â
âOh, they are so large and colourful. I would love to make a drawing of each of them.â
As the afternoon passed Clotilde suddenly felt very hungry. âJacques, I need something to eat and you must be starving. I have cooked a small ham and would be very happy to have you join me for a late afternoon Christmas dinner.â
Returning to her
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