Date: Tue, 5 Nov 2013 17:41:36 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: Tom, Browning's Schooldays 67

			 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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