Around the chestnut trees was gathering the usual warm-weather crowd, seeking the blue shade perforated with points of light.

Many nurse-maids from the neighboring houses were working and chattering here, following with indifferent glances the rough games of the children confided to their care.

Near them were the men who had brought their papers down into the garden under the impression that they could read them in the midst of peaceful groves.

All of the benches were full.

A few women were occupying camp stools with that feeling of superiority which ownership always confers.
The iron chairs, "pay-seats," were serving as resting places for various suburban dames, loaded down with packages, who were waiting for straggling members of their families in order to take the train in the Gare Saint Lazare.