Without Family: Chapters 5-6

Rémi and Vitalis spend their first night together in a barn, sheltering from a rain storm after being refused lodgings by farmers along their way. Rémi cries with longing to mother Barberin, but finds some solace in Capi who lies down beside him, licking his hand. Vitalis is a kind man and an experienced traveling artist. When they reach the next town, Ussel, he buys Rémi new shoes so he will not get tired walking in his uncomfortable clogs. And he dresses Rémi in nice second-hand clothes and a hat, making him look like an Italian boy to attract attention and larger crowds for their performances. Rehearsing a 20-minute “play” (a pantomime) with Rémi, the dogs, and the monkey, Vitalis shows great patience, never getting angry or raising his voice, explaining to Rémi: “One gains very little by being cruel, but one can obtain a lot, if not all, with gentleness.” The next day, Rémi has a successful debut, playing a fool—and the monkey’s (General Pretty-Heart) new servant—to perfection.