VI
National Fête
On board the “Virgo,” July 14th, at night.—The bad weather continues, and the squall is so violent that the little sloop Express has been unable to put to sea. We have a very gay lunch. Andrée made a little speech, which greatly moved me. He spoke of the national fête in France and of aerostation, which I represent. He praised the self-denial which I had exhibited, and finally expressed to me the pleasure he felt in seeing the bonds of friendship becoming closer day by day. He did not forget either family or friends.
The captain ordered the French tricolore to be hoisted on the mainmast and the ship to be dressed with bunting. Champagne sparkled in the glasses.
ARRIVAL OF THE CAR.
Strindberg played the national air, and those present overwhelmed me with kind attentions. The following letter will give an idea of the close friendship which reigned amongst us:—