"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.