The Canon seems to enjoy himself immensely.
Beautiful sentiments! I say to myself. Who will henceforth dare say before me, in France, that England is not a disinterested nation? Yes, I will be a school-master; it is a noble profession.
A discussion takes place on the merits of private schools. A good deal of abuse is indulged in at the expense of the public schools.
I inquire of my friend the reason why.
My friend is a sceptic. He says that the public schools are overflowing with boys, and that if they did not exist, many of these private school-masters would make their fortune.
I bid him hold his wicked tongue. He ought to be ashamed of himself.
The meeting is over. The orators, with their speeches in their hands, besiege the press reporters' table. I again apply to my friend for the explanation of this.
He tells me that these gentlemen are trying to persuade the reporters to insert their speeches in their notes, in the hope that they will be reproduced in to-morrow's papers, and thus advertise their names and schools.
My friend is incorrigible. I will ask him no more questions.
