The musical ambassadors finished their performance, and the local musicians in turn played for them a traditional ballad.

Peter's heart sank. Don't you think it is dreadful? he asked.

a stockless anchor

It's a mere block from the junction of the Boulevards Montparnasse and Raspail, still one of the liveliest spots in town with its legendary cafe-restaurants, Le Select, Le Dome and La Coupole, the latter recently facelifted from its old seediness.