, that if he ever came over
to visit our friends here, he should not be deficient in such
matters."

"I feel a little crestfallen," the countess said. "I have been
rather proud of Francois' skill as a swordsman, and I own that it
is a little mortifying to find that Philip, who is two years
younger, is already his match. Still, I am glad that it is so; for
if they ride together into battle, I should wish that Philip should
do honour to our race.

"Now, Philip, I have been hearing all about your mother's life, as
well as that of your uncle and aunt. Now let us hear about your
own, which must needs differ widely from that to which Francois has
been accustomed. Your aunt says that your English schools differ
altogether from ours. With us our sons are generally brought up at
home, and are instructed by the chaplain, in Huguenot families; or
by the priest in Catholic families; or else they go to religious
seminaries, where they are taught what is necessary of books and
Latin, being under strict supervision, and learning all other
matters such as the use of arms after leaving school, or when at
home with their families."

Philip gave an account of his school life, and its rough games and
sports.

"But is it possible, Philip," the countess said in tones of horror,
"that you used to wrestle and to fight? Fight with your arms and
fists against rough boys, the sons of all sorts of common people?"

"Certainly I did, aunt, and it did me a great deal of good, and no
harm so far as I know. All these rough sports strengthen the frame
and give quickness and vigour, just the same as exercises with the
sword do. I should never have been so tall and strong as I am now
if, instead of going to an English school, I had been either, as
you say, educated at home by a chaplain, or sent to be taught and
looked after by priests. My mother did not like it at first, but
she came to see that it was good for me. Besides, there is not the
same difference between classes in England as there is in France.
There is more independence in the lower and middle classes, and
less haughtiness and pride in the upper, and I think that it is
better so."

"It is the English custom, Emilie," her sister said; "and I can
assure you that my husband and I have got very English, in some
things. We do not love our country less, but we see that, in many
respects, the English ways are better than ours; and we admire the
independence of the people, every man respect