“ Ah, not much to see now. They have been beautiful with flowers, once. But for two and a half years the house has been a hospital for officers—and even tents in the park and garden—as many as two hundred wounded and sick at a time. We are only just returning to civil life. And flowers need time. Yes—yes—British officers—for two and a half years. But did you go up, now, to the belvedere?”
“ To the top—where the vines are? I never expected the mountains.”
“ You never expected the mountains? Pray, why not? They are always there!”
“ But I was never there before. I never knew they were there, round the town. I didn't expect it like that.”
“ Ah! So you found our city impressive?”
“ Very! Ah, very! A new world to me. I feel I've come out of myself.”
“ Yes, it is a wonderful sight—a
