We have most gorgeous apartments here at the Villa Beau Site. The room is very large and furnished in crimson. 4 huge French windows, one of which opens on a balcony. There are two large wardrobes with plate glass mirrors in the doors, a marble mantle with another mirror above, a large marble-topped table with two toilet sets, another table, two stands, a couch, 4 upholstered easy chairs, a common chair or two and twin beds with big downy foot puffs, rich crimson carpet and draperies of tapestry and silk to correspond and real lace doilies. My bed had a new mattress and springs that seemed high in the middle and had the faculty of rolling me out whenever I turned over. Three times during the night I suddenly came to myself on the floor. I laughed so heartily that I woke Miss H. who informed me that we would have “no more of such performances” and that to-night she will try the tricky bed. I hope it rolls her out too!
The people here seem to have leisure and sit about drinking and loafing. I believe the people of Switzerland in their isolation among the mountains are more liberty-loving than the French where communication is easier. Some of our party are going for a lake trip. I prefer to visit the Baths, Casino and Shops. The Casino is said to be one of the finest buildings in all Europe. Mosaic ceiling, marble columns, wonderful windows and paintings - all supported by gambling devises. At one o’clock visited the baths for which the place is noted. Wonderful building of white marble, with all appliances for treating patients, wheel chairs, vapor baths, arrangements for treating one arm, or any small part of the body. The soldier boys who were here by the thousands during the war were given the baths - 600 of them in one forenoon. Miss H. and I walked out to the French Cemetery where 59 American boys were buried. It was a fine afternoon. There were white crosses, with the metal tag nailed on, and the name regiment etc., printed in English. Everything in splendid condition with flowers in bloom. Never saw more gorgeous roses than hung over the fence above the American graves. The French graves were decorated with bead work in many colors, strung on wire - many graves covered with them. Some of the American graves had been adopted by some French family and they had placed the beaded work on them. A sudden thunder shower came up and we took refuge in the home of the French care-taker near by. It was an interesting visit. The family spoke no English and we spoke no French but we carried out a very illuminating conversation. The children all gathered around us and felt our clothing. I think they decided we came from Mars. A young woman was cutting out a little dress for one of the children and she showed me where there were to be gathers and pleats etc., and how she meant to make it. A young man went out in the rain and brought back two beautiful bouquets of roses for us. I shall press a bud and take home. They were very kind. One of the children went to a cupboard in the room where we sat and took out an immense loaf of bread, baked in the shape of a big wheel, and broke off a piece and ate it without butter or any kind of a spread. When we started, the mother wanted to lend us an umbrella and motioned that a little girl could go with us and bring it back, but we had one with us and did not accept.
For the record, I think this is my favorite entry. I love the part about her falling out of bed and laughing about it, and then saying about her roommate who plans to try that bed the next night, "I hope it rolls her out too!" I like this tiny peek at her sense of humor - makes me feel a bit of a connection - like maybe there's a little of her in me...
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