TO THE STARTING-POINT 



schooner the flag of France flew at the fore- 

 mast, that of England at the mainmast. Here, 

 at our host's house, the flags of England and of 

 Belgium were on the flagstaff. Hard, indeed, 

 is it on those whose heartstrings are tied to 

 Belgium ! 



The family is a charming one. Of the master 

 and his versatile nature I have already writ- 

 ten in "A Labrador Spring." He is a delight- 

 ful companion, full of fun, agile in mind, spirits, 

 and body. His wife presided with great dig- 

 nity, sweetness, and charm of manner over an in- 

 teresting family of six, from Johanle jeune, aged 

 sixteen, to Henri, aged eighteen months. Their 

 pleasant voices, great politeness, and affection- 

 ate regard for each other will always make this 

 visit one of the pleasantest memories of my life. 

 i The house, one of the largest and most com- 

 fortable along the whole length of coast, is 

 built on the rocks beside a rushing salmon 

 river whose music was always in our ears. In 

 front is the bay with its rocky islands, behind, 

 the lakelike expansion of the river backed by 

 the hills and the spruce forest, while near at 

 hand is the little village with its half-dozen 

 houses and small chapel. 



37 



