The walls were whitewashed, and a few straw-covered stools formed the whole of its furniture.
They called out to me, "Preside." I sat down on one of the stools in the corner of the first room, with the fire place on my right and on my left the door opening upon the staircase.

Baudin said to me, "I have a pencil and paper.

I will act as secretary to you." He sat down on a stool next to me.
The Representatives and those present, amongst whom were several men in blouses, remained standing, forming in front of Baudin and myself a sort of square, backed by the two walls of the room opposite to us.

This crowd extended as far as the staircase.

A lighted candle was placed on the chimney-piece.
A common spirit animated this meeting.