“This is your last French lesson.” How did Franz react to this declaration of M. Hamel?

Mr. Hamel declared ‘This is your last French lesson’. These words were a great thunderclap to Franz. He felt guilty for not learning his lessons. He also knew very little about the French language. Suddenly he developed a strange fascination for his language. His books were an old friend now.’ He felt deeply pained about the future of Mr. Hamel. He forgot all about his ruler.

The following words of Mr. Hamel shocked and surprised little Franz. They were thunderclap to him. “My children, this is the last lesson I shall give you. The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The new master comes tomorrow. This is your last French lesson. I want you to be very attentive.”