nod and expressed perfect acquiescence. The following day the
elder sailed from Cherbourg, and I took up my quarters with the
son.



Chapter Four


It is with the most extreme mortification that I record my
ensuing experiences, for I felt that I could not honourably
accept my salary without earning it by carrying out the parent
Poor's wishes. That first morning I endeavoured to direct my
pupil's steps toward the Musee de Cluny, with the purpose of
inciting him to instructive study; but in the mildest, yet most
immovable manner, he proposed Longchamps and the races as a
substitute, to conclude with dinner at La Cascade and supper at
Maxim's or the Cafe' Blanche, in case we should meet engaging
company. I ventured the vainest efforts to reason with him,
making for myself a very uncomfortable breakfast, though without
effect upon him of any visibility. His air was uninterruptedly
mild and modest; he rarely lifted his eyes, but to my most
earnest argument replied only by ordering more eggs and saying
in a chastened voice:

"Oh no; it is always best to begin school with a vacation. To
Longchamps--we!"

I should say at once that through this young man I soon became
an amateur of the remarkable North-American idioms, of humour