Science Of Feet

There is a visitors' book, with a pen on a string near the doorway.

We could use that, says Terence.

Okay, says Baldy.

Terence picks up the pen. The visitors' book falls to the floor.

Pick it up! says Terence. You carry the book, I'll carry the pen. Let's do some drawing.

Like what? says Baldy.

Like Splosh! says Terence.

Okay, says Baldy. Shall I open the book?

NO! says Terence. It's a MESSAGE! Choose a painting.

Méen and Maclou are nearby, looking at a painting of nineteenth century female oyster gatherers, by Auguste Feyen.

The female oyster gatherers do not wear shoes. They wear dark blouses, long skirts, and aprons. They have long legs. Their feet are red, splay-toed and large.

Wonderful feet, says Méen.

Only natural, I suppose, says Maclou. Tall girls, large feet.

Is there some evolutionary reason? asks Méen.

Balance, says Maclou, who has read something on the subject.

Méen sees no reason to doubt it.

They move on to a painting of the bay of Mont Saint Michel, by the other Feyen brother.

Terence appears with the pen on a string, Baldy holding the visitors' book up behind him.

Terence draws a watery line across the female oyster gatherers' ankles.

That's too low, says Baldy.

Okay. Lift the book higher, says Terence.

Baldy drops it.

Arétez! says an angry old woman in black. Who is in charge of these children?

They are, says Terence, pointing to Méen and Maclou.

Jeanne Jugan! cries Méen, who has seen her already.

Méen! says Jeanne Jugan. Look what these infants have done!

I don't see anything, says Méen.

It's here, says Terence. It's a message!

About wet feet, says Baldy. They go rusty.

Yours would, says Terence. Mine wouldn't. And that's not the message.

What is the message? asks Jeanne Jugan.

She is quite prepared to receive a decent message. They are thin on the ground in Cancale.

These infants are part of a team on a mission, says Maclou.

(best if Terence is not left to explain it).

A misson! Jeanne's ears perk up.

Tell me of the mission, says Jeanne. I may join them.

I thought you had enough to do, says Méen.

No no, says Jeanne. Pas du tout. It's a long time since I put my feet up.