Chapter TwoLike all Frenchmen, the Comte concentrated on choosing the meal with the greatest care.
“First,” he said to Melita, “you must taste our Matoutou of crab.”
“I like crab,” she answered.
“In Martinique we eat land crabs,” he said. “They are kept for fifteen days in a barrel where they are fed with mangoes, pimento and corn. I think you will find them delicious.”
He then went on to choose chicken with coconut served with ratatouille creole, which was a profusion of vegetables and herbs fried in oil and garlic. Melita found the dishes unusual, but as delicious as the food she had eaten in France with her father.
“Now,” the Comte said, “as you are new to Martinique, you must eat bananas.”
“I have often eaten bananas,” Melita replied.
“Have you?” he questioned. “There are many s
