Tom Browning's Schooldays
By
Joel
Chapter SixtySeven
Uncle Philippe, Monsieur le Comte de Roanne, had addressed us in English. His nephews rushed to his side to be bussed on their cheeks. They stood back as he grasped a hand each. I stared at the person standing to his side. Jabez had a slight smile playing on his lips so I almost missed the Comte's next statement.
"I have had messages from your mother about her most delightful visitors. Please introduce them, but first..." Here he paused and looked towards the door by which we had entered. "...Fran‡ois, refreshments dear boy!"
I saw the reflection of the young liveried servant in a large mirror. He bowed, turned and disappeared. His command to the servant had been in English!
Martin was the spokesman. "Uncle, may I introduce Dr Dodd, he is a physician..." Lancelot was by my side and bowed and Uncle Philippe smiled and bowed back. "...Dr Dodd is cousin to our two good schoolfellows..." Here he indicated with his free hand. "... Thomas Browning and Robin Goodhew." We took our cue from Lancelot and bowed our heads. We received most welcoming smiles as well as the Comte's own acknowledgement. I waited but Martin did not introduce Jabez. He must have thought with him being in the room already he and his uncle must be acquainted. It was so. The Comte let go of the boys.
"I have already made the acquaintance of Mr Bottom and he tells me this is his first visit to France as well as yours." The Comte nodded towards Robin and me. "I will find what your opinion is so far and what your future mission is." He indicated the numerous chairs and sofas in the room. "Dr Dodd, please come, sit and tell me all."
The Comte sat back on a chesterfield with us, when settled, ranged around him. There was a long sofa on which Robin and I took places. As there was room for three Jabez sat next to me. As he did so he nudged my knee with his. The others arranged themselves with the twins sitting together on a shorter sofa and Lancelot alone on the chair vacated by Jabez. Lancelot took over the role of spokesman. Over the next five minutes or so he told of our quests both for relatives and for a supply of herbs and plants but also of his task in finding a resting place for the ducal head. Uncle Philippe was most interested in this particular task.
"That was a terrible time for many," he said with a shake of his own head. "As you know my grandparents and parents were able to escape that terrible fate. Their friends and other relatives suffered and died or went into exile as they did. Our ancestral home at Roanne is no more and that is not a great distance from where your Duke was master. I have travelled that way once but I have no wish to go again though we do retain ownership of land there. I wish you well on your quest but to other matters."
He indicated two side tables which other young servants who had come to the door then moved towards us. Trays of delectable looking pastries and cakes were then placed ready. Other trays put down held most decorative pots, plates and cups on saucers. Linen napkins were almost ceremoniously placed over our knees and we were served and chose whatever we wanted.
As we ate and drank tea so the questions and answers flowed. The Comte wanted his nephews' latest opinions of Ashbourne. It transpired he had been at school at Harrow but had not enjoyed his time there. It was he who had heard of the reputation of Mr Ridley and had recommended Ashbourne to their father. He was most amused when I told of our journey on the railway. It was something he had not experienced.
"We are less blessed with such forms of transport here," he said with a wave of his hand. "I have never explored such strange conveyances. There is much opposition to the building of railroads as we have admirable canals between towns of a respectable size and character. I do know there are two of these lines from Paris. One I believe goes the meagre distance to St Germain but the other will carry you to Rouen." He held up both hands. "I have no desire to journey anywhere. Paris is my home now and here I stay."
Talk then passed to hearing about our visits to the Louvre and to the cathedral of Notre Dame. Martin and Alain were most enthusiastic and told also of their visit to the medical faculty while we were meeting Jacques and Charlotte Fontane. The Comte said it was a great pity we were only staying one night but he would expect to see us on our return and to hear of how we had fared. We could be accommodated again and if we were here for two or more days he would arrange some entertainment for us. The boys were almost giggling at this. I wondered what they had experienced before?
The Comte must have seen my interest in one of the tapestries hung by a huge mirror. "I see you looking at a little of my inheritance," he said with a laugh. "It has just been ten years since this house was repaired and reconstructed. The boys have heard this all before but it is a good tale." Both Martin and Alain grinned and shrugged their shoulders in unison. Their uncle waved a dismissive hand at them and smiled back to me. "We think some mad fellow amongst the Revolutionaries lived here and decided the furniture and ornaments were not to his liking. All were placed up in the attics so when the military were camped here after he had gone to his just reward there was little for them to do but fire cannon through the windows. My father returned and found their commander had been a fellow pupil at school and they left to destroy a house somewhere else." He wiggled a finger at his nephews. "The moral there is to cultivate your schoolfellows, eh?"
I think we all were grinning as he continued. "It was difficult to find good craftsmen but father had other friends and so a deal of the much-needed repairs were done. My father died some fifteen years ago and there was still work to be done and money was low." He smiled at his nephews. "I would not be here now if it had not been for the goodness of heart of my dear brother-in-law." So the boys had been correct in their belief about their father's role. The Comte then raised both arms and pointed up to the ceiling. "A discovery was then made. We must be eternally grateful to that madman as no one had been into the attics for over thirty years and when a ceiling above had to be repaired all the furniture, tapestries, pots and porcelain were found just as they had been secreted there." He nodded his head. "The moths had made some depredations but nothing which could not be repaired." He held his hands up again in an expansive gesture. "So you see about you what has been in the Roanne family for some four or five generations onwards."
Lancelot had been gazing around during this discourse. "Sir, would I be correct in my opinion that these tapestries are from Aubusson?" he asked and indicated the two side by side which included the one I had been staring at. The colours were gentle was the only description I could think of for the depiction of rural scenes of trees and valleys with birds and streams in the foreground.
"You have good judgment then for both are from those weavers," the Comte concurred.
Lancelot nodded. "My tutor at St Mark's College had one similar in his rooms of which he was very fond. I believe it was once in the possession of the Fellow who rescued the head."
I was still casting my eyes around and was struck by the huge ornately framed mirror. It was quite perfect and seemed to have none of the flaws which so often marred even smaller pierglasses. Had that been preserved in the attics as well?
Again, the Comte must have seen my interest. "That mirror is not from times past," he said. The twins were now openly laughing and nudging each other. The Comte waved a hand at them. "These scallywags know that story well." They nodded and their chests were heaving. "I will not say what some soldier had carved into the plaster with his bayonet but even when painted over it was still visible. Suffice to say it caused a certain hilarity until I was able to cover it with that handsome addition to the room."
Martin could not contain himself. "Uncle, you said that Michael Angelo could not have adorned his David with such accuracy."
The Comte waved his hand again. "We must stop this frivolous talk or our guests might become embarrassed."
There was no fear of that. Three of us on the sofa were leaning forward our heads swivelling between looking at the demonstrative Comte or staring at the mirror. Lancelot had a broad grin on his face and both Jabez and Robin nudged me with their knees. I could but guess what was depicted having compared in my mind a drawing of that renowned statue and what dear Curly in my Uncle's study possessed!
"Uncle," said Alain, "Please show Tom and Robin the secret in this room. They will appreciate that." He raised his eyebrows at his uncle who placed his hands together as if in prayer. He looked towards the two servants who were standing near the main door.
"Fran‡ois, Fabrice, the doors, please," he commanded.
The pair walked quickly towards what I had imagined on first glance to be a door to an anteroom. They stood side by side and what had appeared to be a single door opened as two halves into the room to disclose an alcove almost filled with a small pipe organ. The front pipes were polished silver and shone brightly in the sunlight. There was but one keyboard and I could see six stops, three on each side of the keys.
Both Robin and I stood. There was explanation from Martin. "Uncle, both Tom and Robin play the organ at School." The Comte clapped his hands in enjoyment and stood, as did Lancelot and Jabez together with the twins.
Fran‡ois and Fabrice lifted an organ bench from the side of the instrument and placed it in front. There was room to the side for someone to stand and pump the bellows.
"Who will be first?" the Comte asked, "There is much music here but no doubt you have committed some to memory, eh?"
Of course, Robin nudged me forward. I bowed to the Comte and lowered my brows at the grinning twins and slid onto the bench. I looked carefully at the stops. The three on the left were labelled in old-fashioned script but I was able to read they were Prinzipal 8, Octav 4 and Super 2. The three on the right were labelled likewise but were Fl–te 8, Fl–te 4 and Hautbois 8. I assumed the three on the left were like the metal diapasons on the Ashbourne organ and at the church in Careby. The flutes would have wooden pipes and, joy oh joy, there was a reed stop which I translated as Oboe. I would take care though and drew the first on the left, the Prinzipal. I nodded at Fabrice who was now in the alcove holding the handle ready to pump. He filled the bellows and I played the first two notes, octave B flats, of the Andante of a Voluntary by Maurice Greene. Mr Skrimshire had commended my playing of this piece and had recounted that Mr Greene had been both the organist of St Paul's in London and Professor of Music at Cambridge University. I continued and found the organ to be both powerful but also sweet in tone. At the end of that section I added the Octav and began the Vivace. I was very fond of this movement which was in the form of a fugue with numerous entries. I knew I would have to take care for the last section, where the main entry returns as at the beginning in the treble, would require some addition. I had one beat in which to draw the Super and the intertwined three strands of Mr Greene's composition rang out to a most satisfactory conclusion. I was proud of my efforts and turned and bowed my head as all assembled, including Fran‡ois and Fabrice, applauded. I stood and pushed the stops back before returning to my seat. Another nudge from Jabez was received!
All had resumed their seats when I had started to play but now it was Robin's turn. He took my place and selected both the two Flute stops, nodded at the attentive Fabrice, and then began another favourite of both of us. It was a Flute Piece in F by William Hine and needed dextrous fingering in the right hand for it was marked 'Brisk' and had four short notes to each beat in many bars with fanciful trills and other ornaments which made it a most merry composition. Dear Robin played it flawlessly and ended with a slowing down and a fine flourish and trill in the last few notes.
Again there was applause and the Comte stood and walked to the organ. We also stood and watched as he took Robin's place. "I must show just one more secret." He beckoned me to stand to his left while Robin stood to his right. He drew the Prinzipal and Octav from the left hand stops and then the Hautbois from the right hand set. He pointed downwards and I saw there were two wooden levers near his knees. He pushed on the one near his right knee and gave Fabrice the signal to pump. He began the Trumpet Voluntary by Mr Purcell but what was strange was that the accompaniment in his left hand sounded with the two stops while his right hand produced the sound of the Hautbois which stood instead of a trumpet. Of course, I realised that lever only allowed wind from the middle C and upwards to the Hautbois pipes and not to the two sets of pipes for the Prinzipal and Octav. As he reached the end so he allowed the lever to rest back and the last bars were heard with all three sets of pipes sounding in rousing harmony. He was a most accomplished player and after waving us back to our seats he then played a full movement from a concerto by Thomas Arne which I did not know. I did know that Dr Arne had written the tune for 'Rule Britannia' which was always sung most lustily at our Sing-Songs.
We all applauded greatly when he finished and stood and bowed. "My dears, we must make music when you return. My boys here are well-taught on flute and cello," - he indicated the smiling pair of Fran‡ois and Fabrice - "and Valentine and Gaston are violinists of no mean ability." I surmised they must be the other two liveried servants who were in attendance.
"Uncle," Martin said, "Tom and Robin also play flute and violin."
The Comte threw up his hands again in great delight. "Then we will have that entertainment when you return. We will be a veritable court orchestra worthy of those great days at Versailles or at Esterhazy."
I had heard of the Palace of Versailles but would have to enquire of the other.
Robin spoke up. "Sir, we do not have our instruments with us..." he began.
There was another wave of his hands. "...That is no matter. Another flute and another violin can be procured most easily from those we have. I will preside at the harpsichord..." Another gesture and I saw what could only be that instrument standing against a further wall. "...and between now and the morrow when you leave I will find pieces you may know, but if not, you can look over on your travels."
I looked at Robin who seemed a little bemused. At least we would not be too bored having another interest on the long coach journeys we were to experience.
"Might they take those instruments with them?" asked Alain.
"Of course, of course!" his uncle said most emphatically. He clapped his hands and beckoned Fran‡ois to him. "My boy, take Valentine to my study and chose instruments from the cupboard which are most suitable. Bring them here with their cases." He looked across at Lancelot. "Is there an instrument for you?"
Lancelot shook his head. "No, sir, I have no competence in that direction. A great pity but I never took opportunity even though my mother cajoled me to learn on her fortepiano. I do regret that but I was young and headstrong and wished only to experiment."
The Comte asked him about his interests and though I had experienced so many of his exciting excursions into the use of chemicals, for instance, I sat just as enthralled as the others as he described what he had done over the years. He had started as a youngster having read books belonging to the old curate who had been the local physician and his tutor. He finished with the description of the making of fulminate of mercury and how he had made us boys jump with the explosions. From their expressions I think Martin and Alain would wish him to show them such things. Lancelot finished by saying the old curate had also made him want to be a physician and though he had to deal with many sad occasions there was also happiness in curing or alleviating the pain of others.
That led to Martin saying I also had a reputation at Ashbourne because of my knowledge of salves and potions. The Comte was laughing heartily at this and said was there any end to my talents. I reddened and said I only wished to be useful.
I was glad of no more questions for the two servants returned bearing two cases. I was presented with one which contained a most elegant black-wood flute while Robin gaped at a fine violin.
The Comte was smiling as he stood and went to the organ and after Fabrice had filled the wind chest played the notes from G for Robin's lower string to E for his fourth and I found my A on the flute to be true. Robin tightened his bow strings and I nodded at him and mouthed 'Sir Roger' and we set off with that jolly old dance tune. Both of our instruments sounded so well together and there were cries of 'More!, More!' when we finished. We played two more country airs with all tapping their feet or clapping their hands in rhythm.
"My dears, we shall have such a merry time when you return," the Comte cried out as we held our instruments down and bowed our heads in response to the renewed applause. "I only wish you were able to stay longer but you must return in times to come."
Talk then turned to the knowledge that the organ had remained hidden behind its locked doors all through the years of turmoil. It was somewhat damp when reopened but had been skilfully repaired. "It is my desire to have it replaced at some time with one somewhat larger with two keyboards but I must wait until my income is steadier," the Comte said with a rueful look on his face. From the looks on the twins' faces I was of the opinion that their father might be induced to make some contribution. I had no idea of cost for such an instrument but it must be in hundreds of francs. Oh my, I was thinking in French money even now!
It was then announced we would be taken to our rooms. I was glad of that as I had a desire for another piss since the one when Lancelot had stopped our coach near to a small copse of trees just before our arrival and all had relieved themselves. However, before we left the salon the Comte said we should receive a present each. "I have a number of these new shirts from my haberdasher and there should be sufficient for each to have a choice. They are most suitable for meeting friends on an afternoon such as this."
I smiled at this. We were all in good white shirts and black jackets at present. I could but imagine Lancelot and dear Jabez in such finery as a colourful silk shirt.
We followed the four servants up the stairs, the three already seen now joined by the one I think I remembered was named Gaston. Fabrice led Robin and me almost immediately to a door along the wide corridor while the others walked on. He opened a door to a room like the room we had occupied at Coquelles though the furniture was not so heavy.
"Messieurs, may I show?" Fabrice said in clear English.
He did just that. The commode was my desire and that was in the usual ornate chest. The bed was surmounted by a brocaded canopy and needed a step to reach the height of the covers. By its side were two beautifully wrought and painted cabinets with depictions of rural scenes on the doors. There were matching tables and also curved backed chairs with a small sofa which didn't look too comfortable.
We thanked Fabrice and he bowed as left us. Robin's need was greater than mine so he pissed first and said he was glad of that relief. As I pissed we started our discussion of the Comte and his house, also of his household. We had been told that dinner would be served at eight and wondered about the kitchen and its staff. Certainly the cakes and pastries earlier had been of high quality. We laughed and said we were becoming rather used to good French food having experienced new delicacies even over these few days. We still had to encounter what might be on offer as we moved southwards. "I do not think there are monkeys or giraffes in France for us to sample," Robin said with a grin. "We have had snails so we may find a dish of slugs or pollywogs before long!" I gave him an almighty sneer as I buttoned myself. This not too soon as a tap on the door announced the return of Fabrice.
He led us out to where the others of our party were assembled and were already holding up silk shirts of different colours. The twins had chosen scarlet ones as their Uncle Philippe had worn. Jabez and Lancelot were deciding on whether dark green or light green suited them best. Without hesitation Robin and I chose a lustrous dark blue shirt each. Although we were not all equal size the looseness of fit would not matter. Martin said as it was a warm evening we should wear the chosen shirt for dinner would not be formal. Before I could make any conversation with Jabez he and Lancelot sped off with their prizes and I saw them enter separate rooms. Alain wanted to know if we were pleased with our accommodation and we could only agree it was most pleasant. I knew they also wanted an opinion of their uncle but as Fabrice was standing there they could hardly ask such a thing without causing offence.
While occupied downstairs during the conversation and musical entertainment our chests and travelling bags had been brought up. Lancelot with his usual efficiency had caused labels to be tied on with our names though each was also marked clearly with 'Dodd' for the instruction of general porters. We had rinsed our hands and faces in the bowls of water so felt clean and ready for our meal. We decided our light trousers could remain but put on less-heavy shoes instead of those we had worn on our journey here. With those new shirts we looked a handsome pair as we twirled before the pierglass attached to the inside of the door of a large wardrobe. "With our pantaloons we will be like those genies you have described!" Robin said with a laugh. "I wonder if Lancelot and Jabez will look as fine?"
We would have to wait for that revelation as it not near seven so we decided to invade the twins' abode. They were grinning as Martin opened their door. They were on the verge of coming to our room to disturb us he said and we were invited in. They were also arrayed in their silk shirts and agreed they were a most generous present. Of course all sorts of questions were then asked. Yes, we thought their uncle was like no one we had met before. They told us that Fran‡ois and Fabrice were brothers who had been in an orphanage before joining the household as kitchen boys. Both Valentine and Gaston were also orphans and were cousins with an uncle who was the cook or 'chef' as called in the French way. The pair laughed and said they were not sure if he was their true uncle but he was a good cook! They said Uncle Philippe had arranged for each to be taught an instrument though both Fabrice and Fran‡ois had been instructed initially while at the orphanage for boys could earn their keep by playing in the streets or at gatherings. As each was now eighteen or nineteen they had had good instruction for some years and were most competent. They grinned and said there were at least three younger boys in the kitchens or the gardens who were being instructed, too. They were sure Uncle Philippe was determined to have a whole orchestra in time! Perhaps we might become kitchen boys or footmen and join the band!
We just grinned at that but I said we would take great pleasure in playing together on our return to Paris. They did not ask about Jabez who had acted quite naturally as if of higher station. But then, what was station? I was even more confused now seeing him in a role which was obviously not that of a mere servant. What was I but the son of a horse- dealer? There was money and there was that strange beast called Society. My schoolfellows were a mixture of sons of clergy, of nobility, of gentry and land-owners but nothing distinguished us bodily from the likes of Jabez, Benjy, Timmy or the other lads of the village I had splashed nakedly with in the river. Again and again I was being confronted with such matters. Would I find the same or different in France? I had noted how sharply Madame Durand had spoken to Professor Duvallier after we had had the delay before the serving of those delectable snails. She was certainly a woman with a tongue of her own! I could not imagine even Mrs Reynolds giving Lancelot the sharp edge of her tongue though I had been told to mind my manners and to do various things by either Mr or Mrs Clements our butler and housekeeper. They were 'superior servants' in any case!
We lounged about until Alain judged it might be near time for dinner as his stomach- clock was chiming so he said. We all agreed boys had a good sense of time governed by their bellies. It was so for the deep sonorous boom of the large gong I had noted standing by the foot of the curving stairway was then heard. We were most decorous and did not rush but processed two by two out of the room to be joined by Lancelot and Jabez. At the bottom of the stairs were Fran‡ois and Fabrice who led us further along to where they opened the double doors to a most splendid room with a dark polished table set with silver and glass and four most ornate candelabra. The Comte was standing at the head of the table with a glass in his hand. He had now changed into a purple silk shirt and had an embroidered round cap on his head in the same colour. He cut a most elegant figure.
"Gentlemen, an aperitif to set our appetite before we are served," he announced with the usual flourish of his other hand.
One of the other servants was holding silver tray on which were six small glasses of a clear liquid. We each took one and Alain whispered sotto voce "Sip very slowly". It was excellent advice. The first taste was sharp and as it trickled to the back of my throat it seemed fiery but this was followed by a feeling of such warmth as I swallowed. It was like nothing I had experienced before. There was a muted gasp from Lancelot. "St Mark's Fire" he whispered.
The Comte laughed. "That is a most appropriate name I am sure. C'est la grande liqueur de St Roch, n'est ce pas?" This last directed at the servant who nodded and said 'Oui, Monsieur'. "Those herbs you need are surely the ones used in the distillation of this I am sure," the Comte said with a smile. "There are few bottles of this left after all the tribulations we have had but I know of a source where a few old monks have settled and distil anew from their memory of times past. At first the bishop did not approve of their enterprise but has somewhat mellowed with the gift of a flask or two. I may make an offer for them to improve their still and the furnace they use." He looked at Lancelot who was holding up his glass but with his eyes shut though he was smiling broadly. "Sir, I have seen that look so many times on first acquaintance with this fine liqueur," the Comte said, "But you have mentioned your need of herbs..."
Lancelot's eyes shot open. He interrupted the Comte almost rudely. "...Sir, I would wish to visit those monks to seek their advice. This liqueur is as I remember the taste of that we call St Mark's Fire. I have been told it was distilled by monks here in France and we have the receipt which the Master of St Mark's keeps hidden."
The Comte was smiling though he had been taken aback by Lancelot's vociferousness. "My dear sir, there is no problem of finding them though I advise caution." He waved a hand towards Alain and Martin. "These boys' father has recounted how he discovered the presence of those monks on one of his journeys by happy accident. You will take the same road on your mission as he did. He was travelling from Fontainebleau to Nemours and heard at an inn of the monks who had settled in an abandoned priory near a village called Grez. He found they were wary of strangers but were happy to supply him with a quantity of their wares. We have compared this of old with the new and I am sure they resemble each other exactly."
Martin held his glass up. "Uncle Philippe, father says if the monks had a better still and furnace they would be able to make much more. He knows of merchants who would purchase quantities of such an excellent spirit and they would be able to repair their abbey."
The Comte shook his head. "Sadly, my dear, they would have to move elsewhere. The abbey and its grounds is only theirs if their enterprise is not bruited abroad. I have good knowledge that there is dispute about the ownership of the land on which the ruins stand. I fear we may hear of their banishment at any time. The bishop is old and unhelpful and wishes only to maintain whatever authority he has."
"Uncle," Alain held up a hand almost in imitation of his uncle, "Perhaps you might have their still in the stables here."
His uncle laughed. "My dear, such an enterprise could only lead to disaster I am sure. There has already been one fire and an explosion at their present habitation. They are old and have little knowledge of worldly ways and are best left to their own devices." He turned to look at Lancelot. "I will write you a card of introduction because of their wariness. I would ask you do not disturb them overmuch but to give them my good wishes." He smiled and raised his glass. "To the success of your visit!"
We all sipped warily to that sentiment.
The emptying of our glasses was the signal for us to take our places at the table. I noted that Lancelot and Jabez were placed to right and left of the Comte. The twins were then seated opposite each other with Robin and me next to them and furthest from the head of the table. I grinned at Robin and mouthed 'we are not below the salt!'. This was so as a most ornate and decorated silver salt caddy was set to my right. Alain, by my side, overheard that comment and nudged me. "There is advantage sitting in your place. It is usually mine and you will find that Fabrice will serve you whatever is left on his platter as you will be the last."
Whatever was left was most substantial throughout. There was a creamy vegetable broth but Alain did not know its ingredients. This was no matter as we then had a pair of small roasted birds each. "Caille" whispered Alain who, seeing my incomprehension, said more loudly "Quail". His uncle heard and asked if this was something we had not eaten before. Three of us shook our heads, Jabez, Robin and I. The twins instructed us that we had to be careful of small bones as we carved off the succulent flesh. This took longer than I thought but my pile of bones were well-scraped. The Comte apologised that his chef had not sent up a dish of fresh fish as he had not been satisfied with the quality of those seen at the market. Instead we had a terrine of smoked fish which had a particular subtlety of taste and I saw Martin signal to Fran‡ois for a little more to be placed before him. The next entr‚e was a platter of thinly sliced pork and there was a brandy sauce to savour with that delicacy. There were three more dishes ending with a syllabub of sweet-smelling fruits accompanied by yet another glass of wine. I had counted five glasses placed to the side of each diner!
Quite replete now we repaired to the salon where the gentlemen, including Jabez, had a cigar each and there was a small glass of white port for all. Even so, with all that delectable food and the wine, I did not feel at all fuddled. We had been at table for three hours as I noted when the large clock struck eleven. There had been talk and we had heard Lancelot and the Comte discussing the road we should take. I found that the road from Calais to Paris which we had taken was one of the 'routes royales' which were now known as 'les routes nationales'. The Calais road was Route One. We would start our journey on the morrow on Route Six which would take us to Fontainebleau. It was recommended we should tarry there and look at the Palais. The Comte wished to know in what condition the building had been left for he had purchased a boule table which was reputed to have been in one of the salons before it had been ransacked. We found that 'boule' was the name of the decoration which was of inlaid metal and a dark red lacquer.
I did get sleepy then and we boys bade good-night to the gentlemen who were intent on more conversation and were preceded up to our rooms by Fabrice with a sconce of candles to light our way. Robin remarked that Sir Digby Wright's establishment in London had gas lighting. The twins laughed and said there was little of that in Paris and certainly none at Coquelles. As our room was first the twins came in with us, we having taken the sconce from Fabrice and lit our own candles. They wanted to know what we thought of the house but we knew they really wanted to know more of our opinion was of their most flamboyant uncle. Neither of us rose to that bait but Robin did ask one thing.
"Your uncle said he has lived here for ten years but the servants are not of any age for that, nor have we seen any parlour-maids. Why is that?"
This set both of them off laughing. "There is no mystery," said Alain. "Uncle Philippe prefers to have male servants and our father says when they reach the age of twenty- one he disposes of them!"
"How?" I asked as Robin asked "Why?"
Martin did a good imitation of one of his Uncle's grand gestures. "Too late now. We will tell you in the morning!" With that they grinned at each other, bowed to us and were gone.
To be continued:
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