Free Virtue and Vanity: Continuing Story of Desire and Duty by Ted Bader, Marilyn Bader

grass,” Edgar said as he started to wander away.
    Sarah stopped him abruptly, “Do not even mention such a thing aloud. You know how the French feel about their grass areas. . . they are to be seen and not walked upon.”
    “Yes, Miss Sarah,” Edgar said contritely, for his parents had made this point to him clearly when they first came to Paris. “I still don’t understand it, but I will not mention it again in public.”
    “You may go roll your hoop then,” Sarah said.
    The path was broad, of fine gravel, with trees along each side. In fact the trees almost became small forests in some areas of the park. The group slowly strolled in the shade. While Laura and Maria seemed enchanted to watch the elegantly dressed procession coming from the opposite end of the park, John seemed to simply wander along after them; Andrew would stop quite frequently and comment on the elms, chestnuts or sycamores lining the walkways, while Sarah listened intently. Anna was quite happy to be walking along with the two.
     
    Andrew gently pulled Anna and Sarah over to the side of the path for a moment. “Look down this row of trees,” he indicated the row in question with his arm. “It is simply amazing that the French plant the trees in such straight rows. British tradition has been to plant groupings of trees, or simply start with the trees that are there and cut away the ones we don’t want. This is most unusual. . . actually, it’s quite attractive. I shall have to try an area like this at home.”
    Sarah smiled at him, “This reminds me of when we were children and you would teach me about the plants on the estates.”
    He smiled in return, “Those were delightful times, indeed.” Then with a slight frown, he added, “Am I boorish, talking too much about the flora of the park?”
    “Not at all,” Sarah replied, “I enjoy it very much.”
    Andrew then knelt down by Anna and pointed out to her, “See the black magpies on the ground ahead; the french call them pies bavardes or chattering magpies. If you listen, you can understand why they named them so.” Then he stood as he saw his brother approaching.
    John explained, “Laura and Maria have decided to rest awhile on that shady bench. I think Laura is still quite angry with me and only let me escort her to the park so she would not be seen walking unescorted through the streets. . .”
    Sarah added, “That, plus she is probably finding it hard in this unusual heat to muster enough energy to act properly indignant. It was a rather unkind trick,” she finished with a slight smile.
    “Perhaps Edgar would like to join me for a time of boat sailing?”
    Smiling, Sarah said, “I am sure nothing would please him more.” She turned to where she had last seen Edgar and gasped, “Wherever did he go? He was told to stay near us.”
     
    Laying a comforting hand gently on her arm, Andrew said, “His enthusiasm probably got the better of him and he wandered a bit. Perhaps he is already at the pond, happily sailing his vessel.”
    “Indeed, that is most likely exactly what happened,” John said. “Why don’t you show us this pond he likes to sail on and along the way, we’ll keep a sharp lookout for him.” John extended a hand to Anna, “Miss Anna, since the other ladies have deserted me, will you do me the honor of showing me the way to the pond?”
    Anna smiled and took the proferred hand.
    Andrew cupped Sarah’s elbow in his hand as they walked. “I am sure he is fine. John used to wander away all the time. . . occasionally boyish excitement overrides common sense.”
    “I am sure you are right. I should have kept better watch.”
    “Not at all. Edgar is twelve, almost a man. He knew to stay with us.”
    “Yes. . . I suppose it is just this heat giving me such an oppressive feeling. . . almost a premonition of danger.”
    “Certainly it is just the weather. It seems to have brought a strange quietness over the city.”
    “Yes, that is it exactly. I could not