Chapter 54 Chapter 52

Villette Manor is located in the suburbs of Versailles, covering an area of ​​185 hectares, 25 minutes' drive from Paris.It was first designed by Francis Mansart in 1668 for the Count of Overty and is one of the historic sites near Paris.There are two quadrilateral lakes and numerous gardens in the Château de la Villette, all of which were designed by Le Naut.Rather than saying that the manor looks like a mansion, it is better to say that it looks like a modern castle. Langdon parked in front of the mile-long driveway.Through the imposing anti-theft gate, you can see the castle where Sir Ray Teabing lived on the edge of the lawn in the distance.The sign on the door reads in English: "Private property, do not enter unless you are."

In order to show that this is the territory of the British, Teabing not only wrote English on the sign, but also installed an intercom on the right side of the vehicle.Except for the UK, that's where passengers sit in the whole of Europe. Sophie looked at the intercom in surprise and asked, "What if someone doesn't bring a passenger?" "Forget about it." Langdon was familiar with Teabing's way of going his own way. "He likes to play by the British rules." Sophie rolled down the window: "Robert, you'd better call the door." Langdon leaned over Sophie to press the intercom button.At this moment, he smelled Sophie's seductive perfume, and suddenly realized that the two of them were close together.He waited there awkwardly, listening to the intercom ring incessantly.

Finally, there was a click on the intercom, followed by a voice with a French accent: "This is Château Villette. Who's ringing?" "I'm Robert Langdon." Langdon leaned on Sophie's knee and replied, "I'm a friend of Sir Leigh Teabing. I need his help." "The master is sleeping. So am I. What do you want from him?" "A little personal matter. He'd be very interested." "Then I'm sure he'll be very happy to see you in the morning." Langdon changed his posture and insisted: "This matter is very important, and I need to see him immediately."

"But Sir Ray is sleeping. If you are his friend, you should know that he is not in good health and can't stand the trouble." Sir Leigh Teabing had polio as a child, and he still had orthotics on his legs and walked with a cane.But the last time Langdon had seen him, he had found him so lively and entertaining that he seemed far from sick. "If you can, please tell him that I have found a new clue about the Holy Grail. It is urgent and cannot wait until morning." Then there was silence. Langdon and Sophie waited, listening only to the rumble of the armored vehicle's engine.

A full minute passed. Finally, a clear and gentle voice came from the intercom. "Guys, I bet you're still working on Harvard University's standard time." Langdon recognized the thick British accent and laughed, "Ray, I'm very sorry for waking you up at this inappropriate time." "My valet told me that you have not only come to Paris, but have brought news of the Holy Grail." "I think that'll yell you out of bed." "Fine." "Can you open the door for an old friend?" "He who seeks the truth is not just a friend, but a brother."

Langdon looked at Sophie.Teabing liked to use the odd lines of the plays, he was used to it. "I'll open the door," Teabing declared, "but first I need to make sure your heart is sincere. To test your morality, you have to answer three questions." Langdon sighed and whispered in Sophie's ear, "Be patient. I told you, he's a man of character." At this point, Teabing said loudly, "First question. Do you want tea or coffee?" Knowing that Teabing hated the American coffee habit, Langdon said, "Tea, and it's Earl Grey." "Good. Second question. Milk or sugar?"

Langdon hesitated. "Milk," whispered Sophie, "I think the English like it with milk." "Milk," Langdon replied. silence. "How about adding sugar?" Teabing still didn't answer. Wait a moment.Langdon suddenly remembered the bitter tea he drank during his previous visit, and realized that the question was a trap. "Lemon!" he called out. "Earl Gray with lemon." "Okay." Teabing sounded very happy. "I want to ask one last very serious question." Teabing paused, and then asked in a solemn tone: "In which year did the rowers from Harvard University beat Oxford in the rowing competition held in Henley, England?" oarsman?"

Langdon knew nothing about it, but he was well aware of Teabing's reason for asking the question.So, he replied: "This kind of funny thing never happened." The door opened with a bang. "You have a sincere heart, my friend. You may come in."