Hot Spring - Translation Famous Works Library (036)

Author: Guy de Maupassant
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: The early risers who are accustomed to bathing have already emerged from the bath. They stroll slowly under the trees, one by one or in pairs, along the small stream flowing down from the Angar Valley. Other bathers come from the village of Angar and then hurriedly enter the bathhouse. It is a large building, with the ground floor used for thermal treatment, and the second floor for entertainment venues, cafes, and billiard rooms. Since Dr. Bonafé discovered a rich-flowing spring in the Angar Valley, which he later named the Bonafé Spring, the timid local and nearby landowners, who dared not take big risks in business, finally decided to build a large building in this beautiful valley of Auvergne, which could be used for both treatment and entertainment. The ground floor sells mineral water and also provides shower and tub baths; the upper floor offers beer, sweet wine, and can also arrange music. Although this valley is in the wilderness, it is beautiful and pleasing to the eye, with vast areas covered in tall walnuts and chestnut trees. They followed the stream, enclosed a valley, and built it into a garden, which is essential in any spa area. They also opened three paths in the garden, one nearly straight, and the other two winding in a zigzag shape; at the end of one of the paths, they artificially diverted a gushing spring from the main spring...