Those who know Père-la-Chaise and other cemeteries of Paris will realize what a difficult task was here given to the chaplain. The grave, however, was found.
A lady came to the Vestry one morning and asked to see me. She told me she was leaving Paris, and had a pet monkey which she did not wish to take with her, and would I find it a home. I was glad to be able to arrange this for her.
A clergyman writes:
“I hope to bring a party of twelve to fifteen artisans over to Paris.… We leave England on the evening of ⸺, and arrive in Paris on Saturday. I do not know Paris, and venture to write to you to ask if you will be so good as to secure rooms for us, as cheaply as you can, and if you will just tell us where to go.” This request was granted.
On passing to the pulpit one Sunday a paper was handed to me by one of the congregation. It was to ask me to say from the pulpit that the applicant desired a wife about 25 to 30 years of age—domesticated, etc. He added that he was prepared to take the one I recommended, and that he had means to support her. I need hardly say the notice was not given.
A lady writes:
“Kindly excuse my asking your help in a little matter. Can you kindly give me the names and addresses of anyone who would act as my agent and try to sell a little ‘scissors sharpener,’ which I have lately brought out. I have patented it in France, etc., etc.” I was sorry not to be able to find anyone who would undertake the commission.
A Colonial clergyman wrote:
“I make a great hobby of optics and lenses. I have a large collection of optical instruments, etc., of French make. Now I find there is a most unreasonable prejudice against French glasses. I believe this prejudice could be removed if I could get a few catalogues of reliable French firms. Could you get me some and send them out, etc.” I was glad to comply with this request.
There were various “scares” of a revolution during my sojourn in Paris, and one was frequently called upon to calm the fears of the timid. The following extract is an illustration.