Its chief attraction was a pretty lawn that extended to the banks of the
Oiselle, and a small but beautifully shaded park.
It was known as the Chateau d'Escorval, but that appellation was gross
flattery. Any petty manufacturer who had amassed a small fortune would
have desired a larger, handsomer, and more imposing establishment.
M. d'Escorval--and it will be an eternal honor to him in history--was
not rich.
Although he had been intrusted with several of those missions from which
generals and diplomats often return laden with millions, M. d'Escorval's
worldly possessions consisted only of the little patrimony bequeathed
him by his father: a property which yielded an income of from twenty to
twenty-five thousand francs a year.
This modest dwelling, situated about a mile from Sairmeuse, represented
the savings of ten years.
He had built it in 1806, from a plan drawn by his own hand; and it was
the dearest spot on earth to him.
He always hastened to this retreat when his work allowed him a few days
of rest.
But this time he had not come to Escorval of his own free will.
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