"Not now, Antoine," said Julie, "but we will later. I'm glad to see,
though, that you are making the best of it. You show a spirit worthy of
a Picard."
Picard bowed and smiled with gratification. John suggested that they
look upstairs for rooms, and then, after putting them in order, they
could return for dinner. But before ascending the grand stairway, they
lighted several candles which Suzanne had found, and put them at
convenient places. They were not sufficient to illuminate the interior
of the hotel, but they threw a soft glow which John found warm and
pleasing.
Above was the main drawing-room, and a great array of guest chambers,
continued also on the third floor, which was the last. John selected the
best suite, looking over the river, for Julie and also for Suzanne, who,
under the circumstances, must remain with her. A running water system
had not been installed in the houses of Chastel but the great pitchers
were filled, and the stalwart Suzanne could easily bring more. They were
good rooms, perhaps with an excess of gilt and glass after the
continental fashion, but they were comfortable, and John said to Julie:
"Maybe you'd like to remain here a half-hour or so, while Antoine and I
choose a place for ourselves. It's best that the members of our party
remain close together in view of possible emergencies.
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