XII.
Old Pupils. — Acquaintances Renewed. — Lively Recollections Revived. — It is Easier to Teach French than to Learn it. — Testimonial Refused to a French Master. — "How de do?" — "That's What-d'ye-call-Him, the French Master."
I like meeting old pupils, especially those who, I am vain enough to think, owe to me a little part of their success in life.
Others have greatly improved since they left school. I used to consider them hopelessly stupid, and now I see them able to speak on general topics with a great amount of common sense. Though they were not fit for school, they are fit for the world. They have good manners and are gentlemen.
Some you cannot recognize with their "chimney-pots"; some will take no notice of you.
Some will come and shake hands with you, and make a tardy acknowledgment of the debt they owe you; some will express their regret that they do not owe you more.
Some will approach you diffidently, and with a grin:
"How do you do, sir? Don't you know me? I am So-and-So."
"To be sure I do."
"Don't you remember I once threw a paper ball in the room, and it fell on your desk by accident?"