Northern Suburb of Paris.
Jane stepped out of the light-gray little boarding house and, before leaving, cast one last lingering look back inside.
The industrial-style composite wardrobe, the Copper Faucet reflecting a golden gleam, and the Gas Lamp with its Glass shade made the place seem like some world of the future.
Though Jane felt reluctant to leave, she still shut the door firmly.
If she earned the chance for a second-round interview later, then this room would be her "home" for the next three and a half years. She would have plenty of time to slowly take in everything here.
But if her name was not on the interview list, she would have to return to Bath at once—she had no money to remain in France any longer—and this place would have nothing to do with her ever again. What was the point of lingering over it?
The sun had not yet fully risen, but the Gas Streetlights along both sides of the road had already gone out, leaving the street somewhat dim. Still, she happily drew in a deep breath of the cool morning air, immersing herself in the hazy freedom all around her.
Sorbonne Road lay southeast of Paris. She wanted to see the announcement the moment it was posted, so she had to set out very early. At home, her father would never have allowed her to go out alone before the sky had fully brightened.
At a street corner not far away, two Police officers in neat uniforms walked past, one of them carrying a riot fork on his back. The sight filled Jane with a sense of security. Before coming here, she had heard that Paris had the best public safety in all of Europe—maintained by Police personally trained by their Crown Prince.
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