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294 THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON |
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with truffles, formed the solid part of the repast A double festoon of flowers surrounded the canopy above the table, and on it was a large medallion, on which was inscribed, ' Welcome, fair Emily Montrose I' It was a complete holiday, and as grand a reception as our means would allow. Emily sat down to table between my wife and myself; Ernest and Jack also took their places; while the two caterers of the feast, each with a napkin on his arm, did the honours of the table. Toasts were drunk, and Emily's name echoed from every side.
We passed from the table to the grotto, and she was delighted with all she saw. We led her to the kitchen-garden; we showed her our orchard, our dovecot—not a corner passed unnoticed. Falcon's Nest next received a visit; it had fallen into decay from neglect, and we passed a whole week in fitting it up. We then set out for the Hermitage, to gather our rice and other grains; for the season was advancing, and some violent showers already warned us to hasten our preparations for the coming winter. Emily gave proof, during these labours, of an intelligence and good-will which rendered her assistance very valuable ; and she inspired everybody with such zeal |
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