“But really it is hard to believe, M. Agricola.  How is it possible?”

“It is thanks to the magic wand of M. Hardy.  I will explain it all presently.”

“Oh! how impatient I am to see M. Hardy!”

“You will soon see him—­perhaps to-day; for he is expected every moment.  But here is the refectory, which you do not yet know, as your family, like many others, prefer dining at home.  See what a fine room, looking out on the garden, just opposite the fountain!”

It was indeed a vast hall, built in the form of a gallery, with ten windows opening on the garden.  Tables, covered with shining oil-cloth, were ranged along the walls, so that, in winter, this apartment served in the evening, after work, as a place of meeting for those who preferred to pass an hour together, instead of remaining alone or with their families.  Then, in this large hall, well warmed and brilliantly lighted with gas, some read, some played cards, some talked, and some occupied themselves with easy work.

“That is not all,” said Agricola to the young girl; “I am sure you will like this apartment still better when I tell you, that on Thursdays and Sundays we make a ball-room of it, and on Tuesdays and Saturdays a concert-room.”

“Really!”

“Yes,” continued the smith, proudly, “we have amongst us musicians, quite capable of tempting us to dance.  Moreover, twice a week, nearly all of us sing in chorus—­men, women, and children.  Unfortunately, this week, some disputes that have arisen in the factory have prevented our concerts.”

“So many voices! that must be superb.”

“It is very fine, I assure you.  M. Hardy has always encouraged this amusement amongst us, which has, he says—­and he is right—­so powerful an effect on the mind and the manners.  One winter, he sent for two pupils of the celebrated Wilhelm, and, since then, our school has made great progress.  I assure you, Mdlle.  Angela, that, without flattering ourselves, there is something truly exciting in the sound of two hundred voices, singing in chorus some hymn to Labor or Freedom.  You shall hear it, and you will, I think, acknowledge that there is something great and elevating in the heart of man, in this fraternal harmony of voices, blending in one grave, sonorous, imposing sound.”

“Oh!  I believe it.  But what happiness to inhabit here.  It is a life of joy; for labor, mixed with recreation, becomes itself a pleasure.”

“Alas! here, as everywhere, there are tears and sorrows,” replied Agricola, sadly.  “Do you see that isolated building, in a very exposed situation?”

“Yes; what is it?”

“That is our hospital for the sick.  Happily, thanks to our healthy mode of life, it is not often full; an annual subscription enables us to have a good doctor.  Moreover, a mutual benefit society is arranged in such a manner amongst us, that any one of us, in case of illness, receives two thirds of what he would have gained in health.”