Studio: international art (18.1900)

On the Slope of a Southern Hill

campaign, had been travelling over the road for flames leap up and are reflected on the copper

hours. casseroles and burnished tins. Sometimes she sings

But Fate had its kindest gift in store for us when a gay little Spanish song as she whisks her eggs for

it sent us Marie, our bonne a tout faire. " C'est the feathery omelette or turns in the pan a crisp

une perfection ! " said and toothsome friture

Madame l'Epiciere, de sardines patches;

parrot in a cage, a ..... 1 . -■ \i< >l| { ■ 1 was to secure models.

us. Marie's French yet found their way

was excellent, although ; ■ ; T 1 into these valleys,

she was a true-born ; The Basque peasant

ners perfect. We were antique implements

grateful to her for j of his forefathers. The

being so good to look slow cream-coloured

at, for her brisk and " oxen drag the plough

blithe capabilities, her I- down the long furrows

intelligence and per- of the sloping field,

feet temper. How " a basque farm " from a drawing by 0r bring back from

satisfactory to all our Elizabeth stanhope forbes ^ mquntain their

senses was the vision . heavy waggons laden

we had of her when, coming in late from work on with brushwood. Nothing is more reminiscent of

nights which were chilly, we could see her, in her a bygone age than these creatures; always in pairs,

bright-coloured bodice, moving alertly to and fro their huge patient heads held low under the yoke,

among the wavering lights and shadows of the big which is covered with a sheep-skin and decorated

kitchen ! The fragrance of burning beech logs with scarlet tassels.

mingles with that of the juicy capon or joint of The people themselves own an impressive type,

tender agneau. Marie turns the spit, and the The young men, often beautiful as Greek athletes,

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