we have in this world the more we are always needing.
At one time I was glad to get clean in the sea, whereas
now I am missing my Paris bathroom. The hotel is
abominable — bad food, hard beds, and a waiter
who perpetually stinks of garlic, and yet only a very
short time ago I thought myself lucky to be staying
there at all ... I suppose that you do not know of
good rooms, or a decent flat somewhere down by
the port — a flat with a bathroom and clean sani-
tation ?'
Kahn appeared to consider. Then: *I fear not,
monsieur, our Saint Loup is still in the Middle Ages.'
'And therein lies its charm/ said Beauvais, sighing;
'Why is it that nothing is ever quite perfect? Why can-
not I have a medieval Saint Loup, a comfortable
bed and an agreeable bathroom?'
'I see no reason at all,' replied Kahn, 'monsieur
has but to build himself a villa.'
Beauvais looked up from staring at his shoes and
his eyes were suddenly bright with interest: 'En
voila une idee! I had never thought . . . But of
course that is what I am going to do! A mas in the
ancient Provencal style; but inside —ah, mon ami,
what modern comfort — three bathrooms at least!'
He was often like this, childishly elated over some
passing fancy. 'And my garden shall end in the sea,'
he announced; 'there shall also be a vineyard and an
orchard of peach trees.'
'Some good ground might be had to the left of the
port, monsieur — it belongs to Hermitte, the baker,
but perhaps he could be induced to sell ... if mon-
sieur bought that ground he would also buy vines.*
'And peach trees?'
'Alas, no, but they grow very fast . . . however
my friend may not wish to sell.'
'I insist that he sells it to me!' exclaimed Beauvais.
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