Maison Fontaine is the Fontaine family residence where Lennie approaches Joe while keeping out of sight. Its driveway, large willow, and open living-room window shape a brief scene of avoidance, concealment, and renewed hope when she hears Joe playing music he wrote for her.

Setting and Approach

As Lennie reaches the driveway, she sees a man dressed in black with white hair arguing in French with a woman in a black dress, who answers in English. Unwilling to pass them, she circles around the far side of the property rather than entering by the driveway.

The Willow and the Open Window

Lennie takes cover beneath the large willow in the yard, whose hanging leaves conceal her beside the house. From there she hears clarinet music and recognizes the melody Joe wrote for her. She moves to the side of Maison Fontaine and, still sheltered by the leaves, looks through an open window to see Joe playing a bass clarinet in the living room.

The Household

Later, the door opens and three members of the Fontaine family come out together. The house thus frames Lennie’s encounter with signs of both distance and connection: she remains outside and hidden, but Joe’s music reaches her from within.