Page:Percival Lowell - an afterglow.djvu/133

An Afterglow HOTEL MIRABEAU, PARIS

What a nice "bufday" note that was! It gave me pleasure at the occasion and tempered the regret with which I passed another milestone. And how nice I thought that lunch, almost as much as Prof. M. undoubtedly did. It was a happy idea and I can see that cozy, withdrawn room (withdrawing room shows what has always been associated with the best) in its quiet half light, so near and yet so far from the turmoil of the town. From what you write me Mrs. S. must be an eminently intelligent woman which still further pedestals the lunch.

After arriving at Monaco on the 16th, we went to stay at the Villa Sylvia (the Ralph Curtis's) until Monday, the 25th. Then to Avignon, Aries, Nimes and Montpellier where M. Moye awaited us. The next day he brought round the president of the local Astronomical Society who did everything you can conceive of and more, beginning with an automobile trip that afternoon, an introduction to the Manager of his Automobile Club and the hiring thus of a car under the best auspices for my tour through the Cevennes and ending with a grand lunch the next day at his chateau after miles out of town. And on my arrival here, behold a case of wine to greet me! Really on me pourait mieuoc. Hospitality becomes a weak word in comparison. M. Moye also, indeed first, was most welcoming. He is Professor of Law in the University and a man very highly thought of. 101