From the Diary of William Afton
March 20, 1967
We finally returned from our trip to Austria. I am rather glad to be back home, but I think that Isabelle misses the stage. Austria has been her first debut on the stage since our marriage. And I have forgotten how magical it is to see that gifted dancer I fell in love with again. I'd hate to think that I am the one keeping her from her dreams, but she insists that she was ready to settle down when she married me. Seeing her face light up once more on that stage… I'm not so sure.
But the trip was not an idle vacation for me either. I returned with a rather magnificent souvenir. European watchmakers were truly talented. They created some of the most intricate and complex machines: automata! I had to see one of these for myself. True, they were mere amusements for the aristocracy, but they were revolutionary machines for their time.
It never ceases to amaze me how lifelike they are. True workmanship went into their insides, but beauty and artwork really went into making them seem almost human. Sometimes, these painted faces, cracked and showing wear, are unsettling on these moving figures, but then you remember just what they can do.
I am most intrigued by those automata that perform functions such as writing and drawing. To understand how that is possible, that is the mystery I wish to solve. I was not only able to see one of these wonders, I was able to acquire one. He is aptly named Merveille. He was made by an Austrian watchmaker to be presented in French courts. He can write in two languages and draws a beautiful sketch of Boucher's "Marriage of Cupid." Originally, he was made to look like a French aristocrat, but he was bought by a British industrialist at the turn of the century. His outfit was changed to look more like a modern gentleman of the time. I rather like him this way. He looks so dapper in his top hat.
His journey returned him to Austria some time ago. For the past few decades, he's been sitting in a private collector's home, until the collector died. With some of the last of my savings, I was able to get him at auction. Despite the financial hit this was, I do believe Merveille is the answer to my prayers. I believe he will help me get out of this creative slump.
Recent developments in the world of audio-animatronics have made some job opportunities tempting. By learning how Merveille works, I hope to learn some secrets about the origins of more modern designs. Perhaps I can finally start my own business as I had always hoped.
