Mr. Han is so kind and sweet. He has blended very well into Paris since his arrival, and actually has picked up on French, and in turn has taught me some Chinese! When he’s not Writing to his brother, he is perfectly content on maintaining the Garden. Did I mention he’s also a great listener? -Madam Memere

Mr. Hans Vignettes

Our world, just as any other is not so much made up tremendous events, and grand scenes, but also little things, tens of thousands of little apparent insignificant things that make up the subtle frameworks of people’s lives.

May 4th

Mr. Han sat at his desk finishing a letter when he heard a gentle knock on his door. He turned to face the door out of curiosity then smiled to hear Madam Memere calling his name from the other side. “Oh, Mr. Han, are you awake? I have something for you. . .”

Opening the door Mr. Han expression softened to see her holding a large ornate vase half her size, she was struggling to keep a hold of it.

“Madam!” Mr. Han said taking the vase from her hands.

Memere quickly began to explain. “I saw it at the market and a nice fellow gave me a really good deal for it, honest he did. It’s a vase from the Ming Dynasty I believe he said?”

Mr. Han gave a smile and nodded as he observed it up close. “It certainly appears so Madame!”

“But why…?” He inquired.

“Well, you’ve been so helpful, and you’ve asked for nothing in return. I know you stay here for nothing and ask of nothing, but I thought that it would only be fair to give you something that at least reminded you of home.”

Mr. Han turned to place the vase on the nightstand in his room. “And again, I am grateful, and again I am also content to remind you that I am home, and at your service.”

Memere’s pale complexion reddened for a moment. “Yes of course, and… well. Thank you, Mr. Han,.. Truly, you are a good friend.”

“As are you…” Mr. Han grinned refraining from giving a deep bow as he was still trying to adapt to the western customs, then his eyes widened to see Memere give a bow as he extended his hand. He then simply settled for a series of short bows and a wave as Memere also seemed uncertain as to what to do and they both awkwardly departed from one another.

“Please summon me if you need assistance of any kind.” Mr. Han said before at last closing his door.

Mr. Han opened the door to his large walk in closet, the sun illuminated several dozen vases he had been given by Memere in gratitude for his service. He gave a deep sigh of bewilderment as a thought came to mind.

“If Inspector Duran sees these he’ll think that I’m running the forgery ring.”

With great care Mr. Han stored the vase in his closet.

“I hope someone gets to the bottom of it soon…”

Mr. Han gave his collection one last look before closing his closet door.

“That last one actually was pretty impressive I have to say. . .”