"There you are princess," Auguste lifted the little girl and spun her around. "That was for the little girl in you," he smiled as she giggled. "And this," he handed her a small book, "is for the young woman you are becoming."
"Papa, what is this one?" Danielle opened the book. "It's empty."
"Yes, you've always been an observer, darling. Write what you see and remember history is written by those who know it not."
"Monsieur," Louise nodded to Auguste, "Mademoiselle, happy birthday." Her daughter followed her carrying a new dress.
"Thank you," Danielle exclaimed as she hugged both women.
"Be careful of the dress," Paulette admonished as she handed Danielle the dress. "Dinner is ready, monsieur.'
Auguste laughed indulgently. "Put the gifts away, Danielle." Danielle ran up the stairs. Auguste looked at Louise and Paulette. They'd done as well as they could for his daughter. Oh, Nicole, if only you could be here. She needs training in being a woman. Into his mind flashed a memory of a dark haired woman he'd met on his last trip. What was her name?-Rodmilla. If he remembered correctly she had two daughters. Danielle needed some civilized children about. He and Nicole had always wanted a large family. But, Nicole was gone and he needed to think of his daughter now. Rodmilla had been unnaturally kind to him, he would encourage her attentions. Danielle clattered down the stair waking him from his thoughts. He offered her his arm and when she took it he escorted her into dinner.
"Into bed," Louise ordered.
Where's papa?"
"I'll find him-after you get in bed," Louise promised. Auguste opened the door just in time to see Danielle flopping onto the bed.
"Find who?" he called from the doorway.
"Papa," she cried picking up La Sainte Bible. "We never finished Joseph. I've missed your voice."
"Only my voice."
"No," she giggled as I sat on the bed, "all of you, but 'specially your voice."
"I see," he took the book and began where they had left off. "But while Joseph was there in the prison,the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did." Auguste read on until he suddenly found that he was the only one still listening. With a quick kiss on her forehead, he left Danielle to sleep.
Genesis 39:20b-23 NIV