After leaving the cathedral our party was driven around the city. The old part they found very quaint and picturesque, with its high and sloping roofs. The new part, built by the Germans, was very handsome, some of the buildings, like the palace, conservatory of music, and the post-office, being particularly fine.
The driver told them that one of the great interests there was the making of pâté de foie gras. It is made from the livers of geese which are fed in such a way that the liver grows abnormally large, often weighing three pounds.
He also told them that many of the French people are still very bitter against the Germans, even pulling down their shades to the windows if a regiment should march by the house.
On their return to the hotel, the manager told Mr. Winter he would have a very quick and comfortable journey to Paris if he took the Orient express which runs between Constantinople and Paris. It would leave Strasbourg three hours later than the ordinary train, and would arrive in Paris some hours before it.
Mr. Winter engaged a compartment at once, and the next day had a very enjoyable trip, though it was a very long one. The first part of the route, over mountains and through ravines, was very delightful; but after getting into France it was flat and uninteresting.
They passed through Epérgny, which was interesting for its vines, which covered the fields for many miles. From these grapes champagne is made.
Paris was reached at six o'clock, and their hotel, which had been recommended by friends, was found to be very homelike.
The Fords were there waiting for them, and were as glad to see Nellie as she was glad to be with them again.
CHAPTER XIII.
HOMEWARD BOUND.
That evening after Nellie had told her mamma some of her pleasant experiences, Mr. Winter said, "Now we have just five days to spend in Paris, and you must decide what you would most like to do. Mr. Ford and I are entirely at your disposal."