The dear little Bergier and Michaux children, whom we remembered so well in Boulogne, had come to recite their charming Lafontaine fables, standing on the table.
The first part of the concert was thoroughly enjoyed; and, when we were informed that the Mayor had provided refreshments, we entered an adjacent room and ate his health in ices, and drank it in champagne.
The President had also to be present at the automobilist feast, and I was elected to the presidential chair.
The second part began with the new melodious hymn by Messrs. Hadfield and Ben Elmy. It will be printed in the next Gazette because many complain of the scarcity of Esperantist music.
Me Michaux, the director of the concert, recited a tearful and amusing sketch, and Dr. Guyot made an appreciative speech. He said: "Our friends are very happy to respond to the kind invitation of the Dover Group. In Calais we have already received many foreign friends, especially those from across the sea. Yesterday and to-day Esperantists have planned a new and hearty mutual understanding. I must say they have succeeded. We thank not only all fellow-thinkers, but especially the Dover Group."
Messrs. Kuhnl and Seynaeve said a few words to encourage beginners, and to demonstrate that linguistic difficulties need not now exist between divers nationalities, thanks to our wonderful language.
Again "Dio Savu La Reĝon"; again "La Marseja Himno!"
A special tram conveyed sixty members to the pier, and the others walked there.
Shortly after eleven o’clock our foreign friends were once more separated from us by a narrow strip of sea. But sounds are sweet upon the water, and the voices of the choristers on ship and shore united with redoubled energy. Of Dr. Zamenhof we sang: "For he’s a jolly good fellow!"
Mr. Reeve repeated "Kara Lu," and, of course, the two national anthems filled the harbour with inspiring strains. Only after midnight were the sweet receding sounds lost in the murmur of the rippling waves, and, realising that the first British Esperantists’ International gathering now belongs to the memorable past, we look forward to many such happy meetings in the future.