also be built for them and their families,â Clotilde replied.
âWe are also expecting another doctor and a small hospital to be built soon. More shops have required a third paved street, so we are growing quickly, and Emperor Napoleon III is greatly pleased at this. As you may have guessed, the cottage you are now living in must be expanded as more government residences are needed. There will be time next year to find another good living place for you and further teaching opportunities, if you wish.â
âThank you for giving me this information, Vivienne. It gives me a chance now to think about further plans I may want to make. Yes, life in Noumea is beginning to change very quickly.â
The school year finished on a high note as Clotildeâs Christmas holidays came upon her. She had organized another closing program, attended by all her enthusiastic parents. Each of the children was featured in some small way and the group singing and poetry recitations were all well presented. Collecting a portion of extra money she had saved from her wages, Clotilde decided to treat herself to a new dress and hat to wear on Christmas day. Off she went again to Madame LeBlanc, who as usual had new samples of light floral muslin on display
âLet me suggest several patterns that would suit your hair and eyes, Clotilde. I have this elegant floral toile pattern of pastel flowers scattered on a pale turquoise background. Iâll trim it with some wide lace at the edges of your softly puffed sleeves and make a collar of lace for the bodice.â
âI love the design and colour of this fabric. It will do beautifully.â
âSee this gorgeous turquoise velvet ribbon. Let me make a sash from it and Iâll craft three small bows to decorate the dress front. When you buy your hat, bring it to me and Iâll trim it with the same velvet band and a bow. You will be so beautiful for Christmas, my little darling. Oh, how I enjoy making women look their best.â
âThank you, Madame LeBlanc. You can always be counted on,â Clotilde responded. Walking home with a spring in her step, Clotilde whispered aloud, âThereâs nothing like a new outfit to raise oneâs spirits.â
And with the approach of Christmas, there was another one who also looked forward with great expectancy to this date. The time had finally arrived for Jacques to complete his four year sentence and be awarded with his pardon. He had worked very hard during the past four years and carefully observed all the conditions that had been placed upon him. Duphly, the head gardener was pleased with his work and could be counted on to offer a good word on his behalf. Finally the long awaited letter arrived, requesting his presence at the Commandantâs office the following afternoon. He showed the letter to Duphly, who placed his arms around Jacques and wished him success. Jacques washed his best shirt, hands and face, combed his hair and set off the following day.
âPlease step forward, young man. Are you the one called Jacques Vallon?â
âI am he, sir.â
âAre you aware that you have now completed your sentence? I have been told that you have faithfully kept all your terms of service.â
âYes, I have.â
âI have received much praise on your behalf from your superiors and I wish to commend you on the work you have achieved in the Government Garden. Through your efforts and those of Duphly, we have one of the finest gardens here in the South Pacific. As of now, you are a free man and so you have a choice - either to return to France or to stay on here to continue your fine work. Should you decide to remain with us you will be rewarded with a parcel of land in Noumea and the opportunity to pursue paid work. You could have a great future here, but your choice will be honoured of course. Now, I await your reply, Monsieur Vallon?â
He called me Monsieur, thought Jacques. At last, I
âWe are also expecting another doctor and a small hospital to be built soon. More shops have required a third paved street, so we are growing quickly, and Emperor Napoleon III is greatly pleased at this. As you may have guessed, the cottage you are now living in must be expanded as more government residences are needed. There will be time next year to find another good living place for you and further teaching opportunities, if you wish.â
âThank you for giving me this information, Vivienne. It gives me a chance now to think about further plans I may want to make. Yes, life in Noumea is beginning to change very quickly.â
The school year finished on a high note as Clotildeâs Christmas holidays came upon her. She had organized another closing program, attended by all her enthusiastic parents. Each of the children was featured in some small way and the group singing and poetry recitations were all well presented. Collecting a portion of extra money she had saved from her wages, Clotilde decided to treat herself to a new dress and hat to wear on Christmas day. Off she went again to Madame LeBlanc, who as usual had new samples of light floral muslin on display
âLet me suggest several patterns that would suit your hair and eyes, Clotilde. I have this elegant floral toile pattern of pastel flowers scattered on a pale turquoise background. Iâll trim it with some wide lace at the edges of your softly puffed sleeves and make a collar of lace for the bodice.â
âI love the design and colour of this fabric. It will do beautifully.â
âSee this gorgeous turquoise velvet ribbon. Let me make a sash from it and Iâll craft three small bows to decorate the dress front. When you buy your hat, bring it to me and Iâll trim it with the same velvet band and a bow. You will be so beautiful for Christmas, my little darling. Oh, how I enjoy making women look their best.â
âThank you, Madame LeBlanc. You can always be counted on,â Clotilde responded. Walking home with a spring in her step, Clotilde whispered aloud, âThereâs nothing like a new outfit to raise oneâs spirits.â
And with the approach of Christmas, there was another one who also looked forward with great expectancy to this date. The time had finally arrived for Jacques to complete his four year sentence and be awarded with his pardon. He had worked very hard during the past four years and carefully observed all the conditions that had been placed upon him. Duphly, the head gardener was pleased with his work and could be counted on to offer a good word on his behalf. Finally the long awaited letter arrived, requesting his presence at the Commandantâs office the following afternoon. He showed the letter to Duphly, who placed his arms around Jacques and wished him success. Jacques washed his best shirt, hands and face, combed his hair and set off the following day.
âPlease step forward, young man. Are you the one called Jacques Vallon?â
âI am he, sir.â
âAre you aware that you have now completed your sentence? I have been told that you have faithfully kept all your terms of service.â
âYes, I have.â
âI have received much praise on your behalf from your superiors and I wish to commend you on the work you have achieved in the Government Garden. Through your efforts and those of Duphly, we have one of the finest gardens here in the South Pacific. As of now, you are a free man and so you have a choice - either to return to France or to stay on here to continue your fine work. Should you decide to remain with us you will be rewarded with a parcel of land in Noumea and the opportunity to pursue paid work. You could have a great future here, but your choice will be honoured of course. Now, I await your reply, Monsieur Vallon?â
He called me Monsieur, thought Jacques. At last, I
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