Awakening

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A green and yellow parrot, hanging in a cage outside, repeatedly squawked, "Allez vous-en! Allez vous-en! Sapristi! That's all right!" It could speak a bit of Spanish and an unintelligible language, while a mockingbird nearby whistled persistently. Mr. Pontellier, frustrated by the noise, left his seat at the main house to find some peace. The parrot and mockingbird belonged to Madame Lebrun, who had every right to their noise, while Mr. Pontellier could escape when he wished. He settled in a wicker rocker outside his cottage, the fourth from the main building, and attempted to read a day-old newspaper. It was Sunday, and the latest papers hadn't arrived yet. He skimmed familiar market reports and editorials, occasionally glancing around. The noise from the main house intensified, where the Farival twins played piano duets, and Madame Lebrun bustled about, giving orders in a high voice. She was a fresh, pretty woman in white, her skirts crinkling as she moved. Nearby, a lady in black walked thoughtfully, counting her beads. Many guests had gone to Cheniere Caminada for mass, while some young people played croquet under the wateroaks. Mr. Pontellier's two young sons, aged four and five, were there, accompanied by a quadroon nurse who seemed lost in thought.