I had not been long in Paris before I was asked through the secretary of the “Société de Steeplechase” to join a syndicate for the purpose of adjudicating upon any question that might arise connected with the riders. I was supposed to represent the English jockeys, being the only Englishman on the board. I accepted the position, as it was represented that I might often be of some service to my fellow countrymen, although I knew nothing of the race-course. I regularly received, up to the date of my departure from Paris, tickets for the reserved enclosure. Sometimes friends visiting me appeared shocked at seeing these in my study, until I explained the reason. A copy of the card, which may be interesting, appears on the next page.
The syndicate met very rarely, and I never had any serious case upon which to pass judgment.
A peculiar call was made upon me one day. I was passing the Arc de Triomphe when a gusty wind removed several hats. In front of me was a nursemaid wheeling a perambulator. The wind took her hat, and all her hair, which fell at my feet. It was an embarrassing moment, but I fulfilled my duty, and handed it all to the blushing maiden.
THE OBVERSE AND REVERSE SIDES OF THE TICKET REFERRED TO ON THE PREVIOUS PAGE.
CHAPTER V.
EDUCATION IN FRANCE.
I was often asked by anxious parents as to the facilities for education in France, indeed it was part of one’s daily work answering enquiries on the subject. It may not be out of place to give here the result of my experience. For English boys there are very few schools carried on as our public schools are in England. For parents living abroad, the best plan is to send their young boys to French “cours” or classes, of which there are many, where they will readily pick up the language, and then to send them over to England for further education. The instruction given in French schools is not of the character or sufficient for those who intend to enter professional life in England. When it is not convenient to send boys to England, I would strongly advise parents to see the school carried on by my friend, Mr. E. P. Denny, M.A. (Oxon.), at 55 Boulevard Suchet. He has been very successful, and parents may safely entrust their sons to his care. For older boys and young men entering the army or navy it is better to select one of the many French families where young men are received to learn the language. The resident chaplain can always supply a list of thoroughly reliable homes. For mercantile life some of the Lycées are very good. I may especially mention the Lycée Lakanal, at Bourg la Reine, a short distance by rail or tram from Paris, where many English boys have been received, and where every care is taken as to moral training. I was appointed by the French Government as Religious Instructor for the English boys there, and occupied the position for some years, so that I had every opportunity of knowing the merits of the school.