All the same, I
foresee that I sha'n't be able to stay away long." And he kissed
Genevieve's hand tenderly.
They soon finished the packing, and Jean closed the suitcase, and the
young people arrived at the carriage just as it drew up.
"How very good it is of you to accept this sudden demand upon your
services with such good grace!"
"I must remind you, Madame, that I suggested the work myself and I am
glad to do it. I am also quite happy to be carried off by you, as it
is such an unlooked-for pleasure."
Two days later the professor had a letter from Maurice, which he read
aloud to the family as they drank their coffee.
"My dear Uncle,--This letter is to be shared by the whole community. I
have found a world gone mad in this magnificent chateau. We are
twenty-two at table. I have been cordially welcomed by all the
strangers, to whom this cursed Duke, delightful fellow, has graciously
presented me. I set to work at once to unravel and discover the plans
of Charles de Morlay. But more anon. This is the programme: an
orchestra composed of excellent artists are to play while the guests
arrive, inspect each other, and take their places. We begin with a
little ballet, entitled, _The Moon in Search of Pierrot_, acted
and danced by some very good amateurs. I am to paint the drop for this
ballet, and the authors (it has taken three of them to elaborate the
stupidest scenario you ever yawned through) have called for a
Scandinavian design and I have promised it, and shall paint it at
Penhouet.
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