The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-04-04
Quaint Dinner Party In France
Described bg TosteUin: Unique
Setting For Dakota Reunion

cuts and cuts. and finally delivers you
about six pounds OF meat.
The major the captain, the lieuten-
ant the corporal and YOU meet by
appointment You merely say Fol
low me sir" and very briskly lead
the way until you come to the big
door which opens. admits the party,
and closes out all outside influences
such as army etiquette.
Earle, you said this was an un-
usual place" says the major. j
That's all right Jim, just wait un-
til you climb upstairs and see the
family and ALP you tell the Judge.
You are greeted at the head OF the
head of the stairs in the tiny hall
way by Madame Carlut. "Oh La!
Messiers plus sarless! she exclaims.
But hospitality win not brook your
leaving and coming later. The party
Is ushered into the one room which
serves as parlor, livingroom, kitchen,
bedroom for mamma and pere
daughter and son each have a room
overlooking the street, chairs are
whisked from hidden corners and you
watch the faces and expressions Of
the guests.
The major and the captain and the
lieutenant were studies.
Disdain, then a quizzical smile,
then appreciation of the odd circum-
stances then joy at the adventure
were depicted on their countenances.
They sat down and waited for the
finishing touches on the frying Of the
veal steak. No modern kitchen range
graces this kitchen. Instead a great
open fireplace of blackened granite
takes up a third of one wall Of the
room. In the exact center under the
chimney is an ingenious continuance
of strap iron which suspends a heavy
iron skillet over a surprisingly hot
fire Of twigs and faggots. Mademoi-
selle Lucienne bends over this turn
ing a savory smelling lot Of fried
potatoes.
This French Home.
In one corner OF the room is a real
circassian walnut bed. a piece that
would bring a tremendous price at a
sale OF antiques. There seem to be
scores OF blankets on It, but on It is
only a feather tick thirty inches
thick. one OF the few things saved
but that comes later. A few Iitho-
graphs, advertisements Of popular
spas which still maintain despite the
war. a picture of two American SOL
diers with a 'poilu"-the son who
was shot in 1917. and two gaudy AM
erican calendars form the wdecora-
tions. each showing its time OF advent
on the wall by its fresh appear
ance.
A table bedecked with a most won
derful yellow and red and orange and
gold and blue figuration in oilcloth is
showed into the center Of the room.
In no place else would such a table
cover be .aught but a horror. In this
humble home ii is in perfect place,
a vivid conglomeration OF color that
seems to brighten the whole room.
Supper is served.
All through the meal the lieuten-
ant and the sergeant and the family
take part in q running fire of half
and half French English and all must
be translated for the others. The
Cecile, wearing a regulation army
shirtwaist and crossed rifles. and
Marie, a friend, came in.
Yes indeed 1t was a merry party
with Americans and French laughing
at the attempts of each other to
speak the other language.
Their Home Destroyed.
That is the way the French people
over there treat the Americans. You
are welcome to what they have. This
one affair is an example Of them all.
However, not all families are in such
circumstances as the Cariuts. Their
"beaucoup" vineyards are now battle
torn, their home long since pounded
into dust by cannonading. They
showed us pictures OF the home. It
was like all OF the French homes, q
long narrow two story AFFAIR of stone.
And we recognized it as the place
pictured in one of the magazines Of
January where aeroplane pictures
were shown before and after the
bombardment.
The father and one son earn
franc and a half day each.
Can YOU imagine a father or son in
America working all day long wood
chopping for a total OF 81 cents
(three francs). Still they are happy
and although one catches a feetinE
expression OF sadness when the old
home is mentioned some happy
thought comes and they smile and
laugh with Monsieur Americana,
Francs are still funny playthings
for the boys and the officers as we'll.
Everything is rated in francs and of
madame was asked what she
would charge for the party in her
home.
Mon non nonR No Monet" she
exclaimed, for everyone had enjoyed
the party and Of course there had
been enough meat and cheese and
butter furnished for ALL
Busting around for a few moments
she found her little English French
book, hurriedly turned the pages and
pointed out "Generosities".
But one couldn't leave without