Salt Harvesting in Ancient Times

Margaret had become fond of Ouvert. He was smooth to the touch, much smoother than Baby Pierre, and not as restless. He would sit in her hand and talk to her about old La Rochelle.

He didn't know much. He had been on the beach at Minimes for ages. But he had read things in books.

The Romans harvested salt here in antiquity, said Ouvert.

I must tell that to Gaius, said Margaret.

How does he know that? asked Gaius, when she told him.

He reads books, said Margaret. At least, that's what he said.

Books! scoffed Gaius. There are no books on the beach.

Ouvert, darling, said Margaret. Where do you get your books from?

People read books on the beach, said Ouvert. Sometimes they leave them open and go for a swim.

I knew there was an explanation, said Margaret. Gaius, are you listening to this?

No, said Gaius. And why do you call him darling?

You're jealous, said Margaret. Would you like it if I called you darling?

Certainly not, said Gaius. But how quickly you have forgotten Baby Pierre.

Who is Baby Pierre? asked Ouvert.

Our friend, a pebble, a bit bigger than you, and we've lost him, said Margaret.

I'll help you find him, said Ouvert. I have friends around here.

You little sweetheart, said Margaret. Let me kiss you.

Yes, kiss me, said Ouvert, very sweetly. Which mouth would you like to kiss first?

The big one, said Gaius.

GAIUS! said Margaret. Don't be crass.