Page 43 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

‘I genuinely cannot recall. Anyway, now I have given you some context, I have a request. I have not known a gentler, wiser soul than young Elle Leopine in the many years I have been here.’

Why does nobody wish to adopt Elle?

‘Many have come close, but always decided against it. If I were to guess at why...’ – Madame Gagnon shook her head – ‘Elle’s family, the Leopines, fled the horrific pogroms of Eastern Europe and emigrated to Paris. Do you know what a pogrom is?’ I nodded sadly. My father had often talked of the insanity and depravity of racial injustice. ‘Hmm. I do not know if you are aware, young man, but there are whispers of a growing movement in Germany, which may well threaten the safety of the Jewish population. The French are aware of the power of the German state, after the horrors of the last decade. It is, I think, possible that potential parents do not wish to bring any trouble into their homes should there be any further conflict.’

Elle has not been adopted because she is Jewish?

‘It is speculation, but I think it is possible, yes.’

Brother?

‘As I said, the baby was taken to a new country and registered under a new name. Anyway, at that time the world’s mind was elsewhere. It was not a significant factor. In any case, whatever the reason, Elle is still here, and I feel an immense guilt. You have known her for a few short weeks, but clearly you have a kinship with one another. Anythingthat enlivens the young girl’s life eases the burden on mine, so I am grateful to you.’ I tried to give her a smile, but I think it came out slightly manic, as I was unnerved by the steely Madame Gagnon opening up to me in such a way. ‘So, to my request. From my conversations with Madame Evelyn, you are tutored at the Conservatoire de Paris by Monsieur Ivan. Elle’s dream is to attend the conservatory. Ever since she was able to physically lift her instruments, she has played them, teaching herself through books I was able to procure via library donations. I have no musical ability whatsoever, you understand, but across the years I have noted that Elle’s talent has begun to soar. I have often asked her to play for Monsieur Baudin on his visits, but she has always refused, citing fear of criticism. It is quite the achievement that you have managed to convince her to play for you.’

It was a pleasure to hear her.

‘Tell me, from one who understands, does she have promise?’

Infinite promise.

A faint hint of relief passed across Madame Gagnon’s face.

‘I am glad that my musical ear is not so out of tune that I am unable to detect good musicianship when I hear it. Do you believe that she is good enough for conservatory tuition?’

Without a doubt.

‘As I am sure you can surmise, Elle’s chances of attending the conservatoire as an undergraduate are slim, for no other reason than the high fees. She would require a full scholarship, and I understand those are harder to come by than blue diamonds.’ My stomach turned at Madame Gagnon’s choice of analogy. ‘Perhaps you know what I am about to ask of you, Bo. I wonder whether you might be able to convince Monsieur Ivan to take on Elle for lessons.’

I tensed up. How on earth was I supposed to do that? Who would pay? What if Elle knew that I had failed?Monsieur Ivan teaches only violin, I wrote.

‘I am sure that he would be familiar with the appropriate individuals to nurture Elle’s talents.’

Money?

‘Of course. I have a savings account with which I have been very frugal over the years. I have accrued a not insignificant amount for my retirement, but I can think of no better use of my savings than to help right a wrong for which I am responsible.’

Madame Gagnon was still, and continued to look me straight in the eye. Behind her upright posture and steely frame, I sensed that she was a little nervous about my reply. Clearly her remorse at what she had told me was genuine, and after many years, she believed I was some sort of answer to her guilt.

I can try, Madame Gagnon.

‘Good! I am very pleased. Needless to say, I will not be informing Elle of the secret task I have given you. It shall remain between you and me, until we have a positive outcome.’

Thank you.

Her relief was palpable. ‘I will ensure you are recompensed for your efforts, young monsieur. Perhaps when you visit from now on, you may be given permission to be alone with Elle in here, or in one of the studies, rather than be surrounded by the noisy masses.’ My eyes lit up. ‘For the purposes of improving her musicianship only, you understand. I will continue to watch you like a hawk.’ To my surprise, Madame Gagnon smiled. ‘Thank you, Bo. You are a good person.’

‘What ails you today,petit monsieur?’ Monsieur Ivan threw his gaunt arms in the air. ‘Over the last few weeks, you have improved significantly. Your shoulders, they are much looser. This is very good! I knew that spending some time with your peers would be beneficial.’ I didn’t stop to tell Monsieur Ivan that it waspeerrather thanpeersthat had yielded the improvement. ‘But today, you are like an ice statue! So tense and full of angst. Tell me, what ails you?’

Monsieur Ivan was not wrong in his assessment of my mental state. After a few sessions where I had made sure to adhere meticulously to all of his instructions, smiled at his witticisms and nodded along as he ranted about the pay some orchestras offered, today was the day I had steeled myself to ask him about Elle. I put pen to paper.

Thank you for your suggestion of attending recreation at the Apprentis d’Auteuil. It has changed my life for the better.

Monsieur Ivan shrugged smugly. ‘No need to thank me, young Bo.’ He tapped his temple with his index finger. ‘Never let it be said that I do not know how to get the best from my pupils, whatever age they may be. It does not answer my question, though. Why are you so tense today? Is all well in the Landowski household?’

Yes, thank you. Monsieur Landowski and family are ingood spirits. I have a question to ask you that is personal in nature.

‘Oh. I shall steel myself. Do not be embarrassed, young man. We are émigrés, remember. Here for one another.’ Monsieur Ivan sat back in his chair and folded his arms. ‘This question, is it perhaps... anatomical in nature? You are embarrassed to ask Monsieur Landowski or Madame Evelyn? Fear not, I remember when I was a young man, and was surprised to learn that the male body experiences certain changes that—’

I frantically waved my arms and shook my head. That wasnota conversation I wished to have with Monsieur Ivan, or, for that matter, anyone. I hurriedly scribbled.