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He agreed, and turned his thoughts towards the "Graphic Arts," and a new edition of "Etching and Etchers." In the beginning of April, Mr. Hamerton attended with his family the wedding of Charles Gindriez, his brother-in-law, and was well pleased with the young lady, who thus became a new member in the gatherings at La Tuilerie.
Gilbert saw at once that with a certain outlay and a great deal of ingenuity he could make La Tuilerie not only tolerable, but even convenient and pleasant though I doubted it and he explained how the outbuilding might be used as laundry, laboratory, and carpenter's shop there being three rooms of different sizes in it; and what a gain it would be so to have all the dirty work done outside the house.
Over a distance of eight miles, moreover, there extends or extended at the time I refer to a track called the Chemin des Boeufs, suitable for defensive purposes, with high ground at at least two points Le Tertre Rouge, south-east of Le Mans, and La Tuilerie, south of the town.
Of course there was nothing for unofficial people like us but to wait and catch the dishes as they left the important table, and appropriate what might remain upon them. There was enough for us, and the wine was excellent, so good indeed that we thought of having a cask sent to La Tuilerie.
The wintry night was gathering round when Kraatz-Kosohlau found himself with his division before the position of La Tuilerie. He could see that it was fortified, and before attempting any further advance he fired a few shells. The Mobilises were immediately panic-stricken.
He was offered, instead, another house on the same estate, called "La Tuilerie," larger and more convenient, but a thoroughly banale maison bourgeoise, devoid of charm and picturesqueness, close to the main road, and without a garden; moreover, in an inconceivable state of dirtiness and dilapidation.
A second attempt proved equally futile. No effort apparently was made to secure help from Barry, who was at Arnage with 5000 infantry and two brigades of cavalry, and who might have fallen on the left flank of the German Corps. La Tuilerie was lost, and with it Le Mans was lost also.
We were rather a numerous household then, at meal-times, with the addition of my mother, M. Pelletier and his three children, my brother, his wife and two little girls, so that when the youngest officer entered the dining-room as spokesman to reiterate the thanks of his brother officers, he felt abashed by so many eyes fixed upon him; still, he managed to get through his duty somewhat hurriedly and soon after the regiment was marching off; the men, now rested and refreshed, singing lustily at the top of their voices, and waving their kepis towards La Tuilerie.
Gilbert, without the least hesitation, immediately wrote to M. Pelletier, inviting him and his children to La Tuilerie, where they would be safe from the terrible scourge. Our brother-in-law readily availed himself of the invitation for his children; but thought it his duty to remain at his post, and set an example to the panic-stricken population.
It always pleased Gilbert to have news of the people and places associated in his mind and affections with his youth, and his interest in them never grew cold with years. Our new installation at Clematis was much simplified by the fact that everything from La Tuilerie had been sent in advance.
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