n a situation for me. I know the interest you have
always taken in me and my welfare, and I write to ask if you will
kindly give me a testimonial as to my ability to teach French. I am
aware that I always was, and am still, a very poor French scholar,
so that I can ask for a testimonial from you only as a great
personal favor; but I hope you will not refuse me."

After thanking me for past, present, and future kindnesses, he
subscribes himself "My obedient and grateful pupil."

This boy, having heard me one day say in class that it was easier to be
examiner than to be examined, had probably come to the conclusion that
it was also easier to teach French than to learn it.

A testimonial from me could have but very little value; still, the poor
boy had to add to his experiences that it was easier to ask for one
than to obtain it.

Some old pupils approach you with a patronizing "How de do?"

When asked by a friend who it was they had spoken to, they replied:

"Oh! that's What-d'ye-call-him, the French master--a rather nice
fellow, you know."

This was an excuse for condescending to speak to him.

They were under him for ten years only, and they could hardly be
expected to remember his name.

XIII.

DEBATING SOCIETIES.--A DISCUSSION ON THE PERNICIOUS USE OF TOBACCO.--
SCHOOL MAGAZINES IN FRANCE AND ENGLAND.--A BUSINESS-LIKE LITTLE
BRITON.--AN IMPORTANT RESOLUTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.--I PERFORM
AN ENGLISHMAN'S DUTY.

Like their seniors in Great Britain, English boys have a little
weakness for airing their virtuous sentiments in public, and the school
debating societies offer them ample opportunity of giving them full
play.

I was once present at a debate on "The Use of Tobacco." Forty young
fellows from seventeen to nineteen years of age took part in it. I
never was so edified in my life. The dear boys beat Alphonse Karr in
their diatribes against the use of tobacco.

"Of course," remarked one member, "it is somewhat pretentious of me to
speak of tobacco, as, I am happy to say, I have no experience of it.
But I have read a great deal on the subject, and all our scientific men
are unanimous in condemning the use of this baneful plant."

"The Use of Tobacco" was condemned by a show of hands, _nem. con._

It would be wicked to suppose that any member had a little book of
"Persian Rice" paper, and half an ounce of "Straight Cut" in his
pocket, wouldn't it?

*