Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1880-02-18

low smoke-begrimed apartment where
two woman and boy were seated at a
rough, uncovered table. The oldest
woman Immediately arose and made @
place for me after the man, her son, I
learned, had explained to her my situa-
ton. The other two smiled pleasantly,
but seemed much embarrassed by my
presence. 1t was quite novelty taking
dinner on first principles in France, and
both by inclination and condition l was
disposed to enjoy it. 1 could not, for
the life Of me, see much indication of
substantial repast, but / possessed my
soul III patience and waited for further
developments. On the table was large
jug of native white wine, loaf Of black
bread, and a plate of dried grapes, and
tin can-with which was soon to become
better acquainted. The table utensils
were exceedingly primitive; a deep dish
and knife and spoon at each place.
The wine was passed around, each one
drinking from the Jug, and the bread and
grapes were tackled ad Hbitune. After
some talk between the man and old lady,
the latter arose and took large black
pot from a crane hanging over q smoul-
dering fire. This vessel she placed on
the table, ana each in turn tished out
with his spoon a dishful of something
that looked like boiled chestnuts without
the shells. I took hand in the myster-
ious rite, and waited for the next move
The old lady took the can above men,
toned, and poured what appeared to be
kerosene oil over her food. My turn
came next, and / initiated her action.
After all were served they pitched into
the mess with great gusto, seeking
variety every now and then in the bread
and in the depths of the wine-jug. Shade
OF Epicurus, what meal! On closer
acquaintance, / found the contents of the
pot to be boiled acOrns, anointed with
rancid olive oil! After this discovery, I
confined my attention principally to the
other edlbles, to the apparent astonish-
ment of my host, who doubtless thought
l was neglecting the most delectable part
of the feast After dinner [ had little
conversation with the man, and, among
other things, L learned that they INDUCED
In meat about once a month. 1t is too
dear an article for the peasant. What
would the American farmer say to such
living? Yet these people are strong,
well-made, and apparently contented
race. Their simple courtesy Is delight
full, and would teach a lesson to many a
noble lady and grand seigneur. Upon
leaving [ offered payment for their kind
ness, but they would not hear of such a
thing. Finally, / persuaded the young
er woman to accept five-franc piece for
a new kerchief, or some other little fem
mime knick-knack. Sho consented at
last to this, and thanked me with many
smiles and courtesies. When I had ac-
complished half the distance back to
Nice, I met my traitorous Jehu. He was
all smiles and queries, if monsieur had
good sport. I was angry with him, and
yet at the same time I could not help
being amused at the rogues sprghtliness
and assumption of innocence. When [
questioned him about the delay, he told
me with countless shrugs and gestures,
that he had stopped on the way to meet
me at little wine shop on the outskirts
of Nice, and having been up late the
night before, he drank quantity Of
wine to help keep him awake during the
day. 1t is needless to add that his pota-
tons induced exactly the contrary effect.
He had fallen asleep on bench and
awoke just in time to meet me ON my
homeward march. I really forgave the
rascal, for through his fundamentally [
was enabled to gain an inside view of
peasant life in France. [ shudder now,
however, when my thoughts revert to
those boiled acorns and olive Oil.