be useful if they adopt the diplomatic profession. He would learn
French, which might also be useful to him; but of course the great
point which my brother desires is that his sons should acquire
something of the manly independence of thought and action which
distinguishes English boys.

"Having arranged this much, I thought of you. I know that you have
several sons. If you have one of from fourteen to sixteen years,
and you would like him to take such a position for two or three
years, I should be glad indeed to secure such a companion for my
nephews. If not, would you do me the favour of looking round among
your acquaintances and find us a lad such as we need. He must be
a gentleman and a fair type of the boy we are speaking of. I may
say that my brother authorizes me to offer in his name, in addition
to all expenses, two thousand francs a year to the young gentleman
who will thus benefit his sons. I do not think that the political
excitement which is agitating Paris need be taken into consideration.
Now that great concessions have been made to the representatives
of the nation, it is not at all probable that there will be any
recurrence of such popular tumults as that which brought about the
capture of the Bastille. But in any case this need not weigh in
the decision, as my brother resides for the greater part of the
year in his chateau near Dijon in Burgundy, far removed from the
troubles in the capital."

The more Dr. Sandwith thought over the matter the more he liked it.
There were comparatively few Englishmen in those days who spoke the
French language. It was, indeed, considered part of the education
of a young man of good family to make what was called the grand
tour of Europe under the charge of a tutor, after leaving the