‘Il pleure encore, le petit.’
‘Oui, chéri, je sais … Ah, le pauvre – que faire?’
‘Va – demande qu’est-ce qu’ily a.’
‘D’accord… et j’ai un petit cadeau dans mon sac …’
‘Jean, Jean – what’s the matter, little one?’
‘Nothing.’
‘Come here – that’s better. You were crying, Jean.’
‘No.’
‘Yes, I think so! Listen, tell me – aren’t you happy here?’
‘Yes, I am happy.’
‘You don’t sound happy!’
‘Yes.’
‘Oh, Jean …’
‘Will I stay here?’
‘Do you want to?’
‘I think so. Will I stay here?’
‘Perhaps. Yes.’
‘For ever?’
‘Je ne sais pas.’
‘Why?’
‘Because everything is so complicated. But we do want you.’
‘It’s true?’
‘Of course!’
‘Why?’
‘Because … because we love you.’
‘Oh.’
‘Do you understand?’
‘Franklin wants me to stay here. He says it is good – for me.’
‘Do you like Franklin?’
‘Yes, very much.’
‘I like him.’
‘I know you do, Jean! And Franklin doesn’t want you to cry, does he?’
‘‘No.’
‘Good. Alors, I’ve got something for you, here in my bag. Close your eyes, go on! Now – look. You know that name, don’t you?’
‘MAJORETTE! I like these very much. Oh, thank you!’
‘Mmmm? Un autre mot, petit Jean?’
‘Merci!’
‘Merci – qui?’
‘Merci – Maman.’