A large pasturing ground was fenced in where
the goats and little black cows of the villagers browsed as one
herd, while the patches of wheat, corn and vegetables were not
inclosed at all. A few of the thriftier and more important
citizens, however, had separate estates of some magnitude,
surrounding their residences, kept up with care and, if the time
and place be taken into account, with considerable show of taste.
Monsieur Gaspard Roussillon was looked upon as the aristocrat par
excellence of Vincennes, notwithstanding the fact that his name
bore no suggestion of noble or titled ancestry. He was rich and in
a measure educated; moreover the successful man's patent of
leadership, a commanding figure and a suave manner, came always to
his assistance when a crisis presented itself. He traded shrewdly,
much to his own profit, but invariably with the excellent result
that the man, white or Indian, with whom he did business felt
himself especially favored in the transaction. By the exercise of
firmness, prudence, vast assumption, florid eloquence and a kindly
liberality he had greatly endeared himself to the people; so that
in the absence of a military commander he came naturally to be
regarded as the chief of the town, Mo'sieu' le maire.
He returned from his extended trading expedition about the middle
of July, bringing, as was his invariable rule, a gift for Alice.
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