In the Reign of Terror: The Adventures of a Westminster BoyHenty, G. A. (George Alfred)
History
In the Reign of Terror: The Adventures of a Westminster Boy
Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)
France -- History -- Revolution, 1789-1799 -- Fiction; Historical fiction
"Having arranged this much, I thought of you. I know that you have
several sons. If you have one of from fourteen to sixteen years,
and you would like him to take such a position for two or three
years, I should be glad indeed to secure such a companion for my
nephews. If not, would you do me the favour of looking round among
your acquaintances and find us a lad such as we need. He must be
a gentleman and a fair type of the boy we are speaking of. I may
say that my brother authorizes me to offer in his name, in addition
to all expenses, two thousand francs a year to the young gentleman
who will thus benefit his sons. I do not think that the political
excitement which is agitating Paris need be taken into consideration.
Now that great concessions have been made to the representatives
of the nation, it is not at all probable that there will be any
recurrence of such popular tumults as that which brought about the
capture of the Bastille. But in any case this need not weigh in
the decision, as my brother resides for the greater part of the
year in his chateau near Dijon in Burgundy, far removed from the
troubles in the capital."
The more Dr. Sandwith thought over the matter the more he liked it.
There were comparatively few Englishmen in those days who spoke the
French language. It was, indeed, considered part of the education
of a young man of good family to make what was called the grand
tour of Europe under the charge of a tutor, after leaving the
university. But these formed a very small proportion of society,
and, indeed, the frequent wars which had, since the Stuarts lost the
throne of England, occurred between the two countries had greatly
interfered with continental travel.
Even now the subjects of France and England were engaged in a
desperate struggle in India, although there was peace between the
courts of Versailles and St. James's. A knowledge of the French
language then would be likely to be of great utility to Harry if
he entered the army; his expenses at Westminster would be saved,
and the two hundred and forty pounds which he would acquire during
his three years' stay in France would be very useful to him on
his first start in life. After breakfast next morning Dr. Sandwith
asked Harry to take a turn in the garden with him, for the holidays
had just begun.
"What do you think of this, Harry?"
"I have not thought much about it one way or the other, sir,"
Harry said, looking up with a smile. "It seemed to me better that
you should do the thinking for both of us."
"I might perhaps be better able to judge whether it would
be advantageous or otherwise for you to accept the offer, but you
must be the best judge as to whether you would like to accept it
or not."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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