Difficult Identifications

Segolène points out the one hundred houses which Voltaire built for his poorest villagers.

There, she says. And in several more places. Over one hundred houses!

What generosity! says Vello. The humanity!

Indeed, says Segolène. He gave them interest free loans. And when food was scarce he would feed them.

No doubt he had plenty of food, says David.

Well yes, says Segolène. He had farms and an orchard. As well as a beautiful garden with a fine view of the Alps. Come with me. We shall see it.

They head towards the château.

Here they are, at the gates. Entrance to the grounds is free. The gates are open.

There isn't a letterbox.

Is there a post office? asks Vello. I'm expecting some hats in the morning.

Back that way, says Segolène. But please, do enter the garden.

Very nice, says David. Trees, grass, flower beds, and hard seats to sit on.

And this is the house, says Segolène. For six euros apiece you may go in and have a look round. But only the ground floor is open.

Nonsense, says Vello. I shall go where I please on my own property.

Do you mean to persist in this role? asks Segolène.

Oh no, says Vello.

Good, says Segolène.

They march up the steps, Vello, David, Segolène and..... oops! where is Terence?

Terence has turned back at the gates, to look for the Post Office.

He keeps to the footpath, which is shaded by plane trees.

There is a great deal of traffic on the road.

Terence plods on, his polka dot jersey flapping round his hard knees.

He reaches the Post Office.

Alas. This is France. The Post Office is closed for the day.

Terence sits on the pavement outside the Post Office, and pulls out his possessions, one by one. He looks at them while he is waiting.

One feather (of a parrot)
One wrinkled balloon ( previously a parrot)
One photo of a kingfisher (or parrot)
One photo of a chub ( inside out )

So much to show for what seems like a short time of travels.

Waiting, waiting, till the Post Office opens. He leans his hard curly head on the door and closes his eyes.

Zzzz........scree! scree!.....Numerous parrots* fly past him unnoticed.

Meanwhile in the château, Vello is determined to go wherever he wants to.

Not the cellar, monsieur! cries Segolène.

But Vello is not going down to the cellar. With David's help, he has tricked her.

It is David, creaking loudly, on the stairs to the cellar, while Vello has ducked up the stairs.



*they may not have been parrots