"What you tell me, Dame Bertrand, gives me a furious appetite," said Agricola, gayly."One soon knows when it is your turn in the kitchen,"
added he, with a flattering air.
"Get along, do!" said the female Soyer on service, merrily.
"What astonishes me, so much, M.Agricola," said Angela, as they continued their walk, "is the comparison of the insufficient, unwholesome food of the workmen in our country, with that which is provided here."
"And yet we do not spend more than twenty-five sous a day, for much better food than we should get for three francs in Paris."
"But really it is hard to believe, M.Agricola.How is it possible?"
"It is thanks to the magic wand of M.Hardy.I will explain it all presently."
"Oh! how impatient I am to see M.Hardy!"
"You will soon see him--perhaps to-day; for he is expected every moment.
But here is the refectory, which you do not yet know, as your family, like many others, prefer dining at home.See what a fine room, looking out on the garden, just opposite the fountain!"
It was indeed a vast hall, built in the form of a gallery, with ten windows opening on the garden.Tables, covered with shining oil-cloth, were ranged along the walls, so that, in winter, this apartment served in the evening, after work, as a place of meeting for those who preferred to pass an hour together, instead of remaining alone or with their families.
Then, in this large hall, well warmed and brilliantly lighted with gas, some read, some played cards, some talked, and some occupied themselves with easy work.
"That is not all," said Agricola to the young girl; "I am sure you will like this apartment still better when I tell you, that on Thursdays and Sundays we make a ball-room of it, and on Tuesdays and Saturdays a concert-room."