CHAPTER VI.

Excursion to Alost--Aspect of the Place--We Lose our Way--Again on the Move--Parting with my Hostess--A Last Breakfast--On the March--Change of Scenery--Views from the Hills--Beauty of the Country--Arrival at Strytem--The Château--Our Quarters there--Comfortless Prospect--Family Portraits--Choosing our Quarters--A Private Chapel--Increasing Comfort--Our Mess-Room--Karl--His History--His Acquirements--An Interruption--The Maire and his Following--A Garde-Champêtre--A Scene--M. L’Adjoint’s Speech--Our Answer to it--I am peremptory--The Deputation in a Fright--The Mayor in Safe Keeping--Petit Jean--A Sleepless Night, 100