"Is it far to Saint-Amand?"
"Two good leagues, monsieur."
"Which proves that, although we walk, we make little progress!—To table, messieurs!"
A table was laden with eggs, fresh cheese, old cheese, milk and fruit; the three young men seated themselves on stools, and the villagers remained standing around them. In vain did Alfred urge them to sit—the honest Auvergnats would do nothing of the sort, and Robineau said to himself:
"That is very well done—these peasants are respectful; I am very glad that I have bought an estate in Auvergne."
Two girls of fifteen or sixteen waited upon the travellers, filled their glasses, and served them zealously with fruit, bread and milk, smiling all the while, and making a slight courtesy each time.
"They are very pretty," said Alfred, "and I consider that it’s much more agreeable to see such amiable children behind one’s chair, with a smile always on their faces, than to have a dozen prying, talkative footmen hanging over one’s shoulder. Look you, Robineau, I advise you to set up your establishment with girls like these; you will be served like a sultan!"
"Oh! messieurs, you see only the trivial side! But I cannot have a woman for coachman, for groom, for valet de chambre. A coachman in petticoats—that would be very pretty!"
"You could dress them as men."
"Oh, no!" said Edouard, "they are so charming as they are!"