  Letter From a Friend. Palm Beach, November 1st. Dear Master Bolax: When you receive this letter you will say who is this lady? I never knew her, so I must introduce myself. I am a very old friend of your mother's; we were schoolmates. When you were a tiny baby I saw you and held you in my arms, since then I have been traveling in Europe and did not see your dear mother until we met down here. We often walk out together, and talk of old times, but Mamma's chief topic of conversation is her "boy." You are the core of your mother's heart, and she so hopes to be able to say as you grow older, "This is my blessed boy, is he not noble? I am so proud of him," and you will feel all the nobleness of your nature grow greater, for any boy who can write such sweet, tender letters has the Christ Child in his heart and cannot go far wrong; only you let the little Pixie, a very tormenting spirit, sit on your shoulder at times, and that is the trouble; just you work him off and keep him off; his name is "Lack of Application," and he whispers in your right ear, "don't study hard, let's have some fun; you'll get on somehow." Then "Lack of Application" has a little sister, who is just as mischievous, her name is: "Procrastination," with these two little Elves so close, and keeping them as constant companions is the cause of all The Brothers, your instructors, do not mean to be severe, but are trying to help you drive away these two spirits with whom you have struck up such a great friendship. Now, my dear boy, you have great talent; study that you may be one of the great men and you will find those you think are "hard" upon you are your best friends and helpers. For your mother's sake, who loves you better than her life, make pleasure your friend for your hours of leisure, but let Brain, Heart and Hands work during working hours. Seek all the knowledge that you now have the chance of obtaining for the more you know of French, Music, Mathematics and general knowledge, the greater are your chances of success. I think I hear you say: "Why did this lady write to me? She don't know me." Oh, yes, she does, from your letters, and your mother's description of you. I love boys. I have had one of my own; I know all about their funny tricks. I used to wish I had been a boy myself. Once when a little girl, I kicked and yelled for an hour because I was not permitted to climb a chestnut tree, and set traps for rabbits and play shinney with the boys. Now don't you think I know something, having gone through all this. I think a letter from you to me would be a fine thing. We might have a tilt or two with the pen and brain, if not with the sword and lance. As your dear mother tells me you have a loving, kind heart. I send you a portion of the love I give her and ask you to call me, Aunt Anna Euhler. L'Islet, P. Q., December 8th. Darling Mother: Your sweet letter was received yesterday and my heart beat with joy on seeing it. Brother will let me have all the books and papers you can send. I would like to renew my subscription to Harper's Young People. I have read all dear Father Finn's books over again, and enjoyed them as I did the first time. I know you are under great expense on account of Papa's illness, so do not exert yourself trying to send me Christmas money, if it becomes necessary I will do without going anywhere or getting anything. There will be a few boys here to stay over Christmas and New Year, so I will have a little fun, although not as much as if I went to Quebec, St. Anne, St. Eugene's, Cape St. Ignac or Trois Pistolets. Brother Director has told the Brother who cooks to clean the butter for me, he will put it in water and mash it, thus withdrawing the salty taste and black particles. I now have a book called "Horsfield's Method of Learning French Language," and I think it will help me very much. It has the French on top and the English underneath, as:
It also has conversation, as:
Don't you wish I could write as well as the fellow who addressed this envelope? The strongest boy in the school is Adolph Bernier, and he is one of my best friends. If he had the nerve of Dr. Carroll he could lick the world. His muscle is almost three times as large as Doctor's, and his legs about eighteen inches round. The wind howls around here, and the snow is above the fences. We walk on it with snow shoes. My love to Papa. Could you send me some alligator's eggs? Your loving son, Bolax. Palm Beach, December. My Noble, Generous Boy: Your letter touched Papa to the heart, but there will be no necessity for your making such a sacrifice. It would grieve me to have my child so far away from home, without the means for having a pleasant Christmas. Uncle wrote to say he would attend to your holiday pleasures, and Papa now sends ten dollars. We laughed so heartily at your description of how the butter was washed for your benefit. Dearie, do you remember the stories old Colonel O'Brien used to tell us of his campaign during the Civil War? How once he was nearly forty-eight Colonel told us it was the spirit of self-control he had learned while at College that enabled him to bear hunger, cold, privations of all kinds, while in the army. Of course, the food is not expected to be as dainty as at home, but it is always wholesome; no Catholic College would give bad food to the children entrusted to its care. I tried to get the alligator's eggs, but the darkies tell me that it is a hard matter to find them; one old fellow told me: "Dem ugly beasteses loves dere young like de dogs and cats do, dey hide dere eggs and watches round when de time comes for de little ones to be hatched out; you don't better be near at dat time hunten' eggs or young ones, de mudder would snap you up in half a minute." I have some curious shells which I will give you when I see you; they would only be destroyed among so many boys, if I sent them. Pray for Papa, not forgetting your loving mother. P. S.—You ask me to describe Palm Beach, so I send the advertising pamphlet. The description given therein is a perfect pen-picture of the place, much better than I can give. I am Papa's amanuensis and he has so many business letters to send I have little time for other writing, with love, Mamma. December 29. Bien ChÈre Maman: Such a happy Christmas as I The Midnight Mass was celebrated in the College Chapel, because the snow is so deep, Monsieur Le CurÉ had announced to the Congregation that the grand High Mass would be at 6 A. M. in the Parish Church. I assisted at the Mass in the Chapel. It was my first Midnight Mass, and I felt awed by the solemn ceremony. The grand High Mass was sung by four gentlemen from Quebec. Brother would not let me get up for it, but I attended Vespers in the evening; they had the same choir as at the morning service, with a band of music. At nine o'clock we were invited to breakfast in the Brothers' dining room. At each "cover" was a box of bonbons from Brother Director and our letters from home. Dear Ma! I was so surprised I cried. I opened your dear letter first, really I don't know how to thank you and dear Papa. Aunt Lucy and Uncle Carroll sent me ten dollars, Uncle Dick, five. I feel as rich as a millionaire, with my twenty-five dollars. January 20. Dear Mamma and Papa: As I was writing the above, Monsieur Le CurÉ sent for me to go with him to Quebec. You may be sure I jumped at the offer. We put up at the Sulpician Seminary. We went to see several beautiful churches. Notre Dame de Victoire, built in the time of Louis XIV as a votive offering in thanksgiving for a victory gained over the English. The very same flags and trophys captured then are still preserved in this church. We saw the ice palace, on the summit of a hill, it was illuminated by electricity, and reminded me of Aladin's Castle in the fairy tale. No one was allowed to go into it, but you could look in at the windows and doors, and see the wax figures dressed in fancy costumes. You should have heard the joy bells, and the booming of the cannon from the citadel ushering in the New Year. There was no discordant clang, no ear-splitting fog horns as in New York, but most of the churches having chimes, made an inspiriting melody. The Basilica played the Te Deum, Adeste Fidelis, and the National Anthem. We had midnight Mass in the Seminary, and no one went to bed until near morning. I must tell you about a little girl we met in the street. She was carrying a doll in her arms when she slipped and fell; the doll was broken to pieces, the poor little thing knelt on the pavement and looked sadly at it, then bursting into tears and raising her eyes to heaven, she cried out: "Sainte ViÈrge mon seul enfant est mort!" (Holy Virgin, my only child is dead!) It went to my heart to see her, so I picked her up, and tried to comfort her; I took her to the nearest shop and bought another "child," when I placed it Monsieur Le CurÉ gave her his blessing. As she was leaving the store she took up the broken doll, we asked her what she wanted with the old, broken thing. "Ah, mesieu, one does not throw away dead children; they must be buried." The people here are so full of faith; you will see well-dressed gentlemen and ladies stop to say the Angelus in the street if they hear the bell ring. I pray our dear Lord, that you, Papa, and all I love may have a happy New Year. Your affectionate son, B. Allen. After Christmas holidays it was difficult for the boys to settle down to study. The good Brothers, who had not forgotten their own boy-life, understood this and did not draw the reins of discipline very tight for the first few days. Brother Director made a very pleasant and sensible address to the juniors on the duty and benefits of being diligent in study. At the close of his "talk," as he termed it, he said: "And now boys, I have something to offer you by the way of spurring your diligence. Three beautiful silver medals have been placed in my hands by three gentlemen living in Quebec. These medals are for your competition. If they were intended as rewards, I would not be a party to their bestowal. I want my pupils to feel that hard, honest study carries its own reward with it. Study puts you in possession of "These are rewards to satisfy any virtuous boy without the addition of gifts. Boys of your age lag a little sometimes, and perhaps need something tangible to help them on. I hope these medals will keep you all up to your mettle, and that although only three of you can win them, all will prove yourselves worthy of them. One is for keeping the rules of the College. One for Composition—English or French. One for him who shall pass the best examination in all branches of study. "You are now dismissed until tomorrow morning, when I shall expect you to be ready to begin work in earnest." The boys set up a grand huzza for Brother Director, and then dividing into groups were soon scattered over the grounds or seated under the sugar maple trees. All the boys made determined resolutions to win the prize. Bolax was especially anxious, because his father had objected to his coming to Canada, and he wanted to show that his mother's choice of a College was a success. Letter to Papa.Dear Papa: Now I am in another scrape. The fellow that took things from the table has been found out; I can't imagine how. But he declares I told Brother Isadore on him. I said it wasn't true. He got red in the face and called me a hypocrite; said I pretended to be a saint because I go to Holy Communion every week. Papa, I never pretended to be a Your loving son, B. Allen. Papa's Answer.My Dear Son: How is a boy to become a manly man if he has everything and everyone about him "agreeable." I did not send you to College just for the French and Latin merely. I could teach you those languages, and in fact, all your other lessons if I chose. I send you that you may get some knocks, and bruises; that you may learn to bear annoyances with patience and manliness. As long as you live in this world you will meet with people who will misunderstand and misjudge you. But what of that? You have and always will have, if you deserve it, friends who appreciate and love you, who will make the best of your good qualities and the least of your bad ones. Above all, you can have the friendship of God by faithfully keeping His Commandments. Your affectionate Father. Le Gourmand.For some weeks since the boys returned after Christmas holidays, Brother Julien, who had charge of the dormitories, complained of finding scraps of cake, apple cores, etc., hidden behind the water tank in the lavatory; no one could tell who placed them there. Fulton and Allen knew, but would not inform, although both were very often disturbed by One morning Brother Director came into the Refectory looking very stern. "I will thank the young gentlemen as they pass from the room to turn their pockets inside out," was the bland invitation that filled everybody with amusement or consternation, as the case might be. There was a good deal of laughing and joking, as the boys filed out of the room and a great display of knives, pencil, bits of string, etc. At last the guilty one took his turn. Out came apples, crumbs of cake, nuts, a little of everything. "So it seems we have a thief among us!" Brother Director spoke in a very severe tone of voice. "I didn't suppose you would begrudge me an apple or two," said the boy, throwing the contents of his pocket defiantly on the table. "Nor do I. If you had come to me or to the Brother Procurator, and said: 'I am a greedy fellow; I want to eat all I can hold at the table, and have something to fall back on between times,' you would have been amply provided. But what is that bulging out under your jacket? Open it immediately." Hyacinth slowly and with a dogged air, unbuttoned his vest, when, to the astonishment of the Brother, and the great amusement of the boys, out came a whole pie. Such a laugh as followed! Brother Isadore, who was standing near, touched the pie, and finding it was still warm, asked when he had managed to capture it. The cook answered the question by coming on the scene, saying: "That boy ran through my "Here Brother, here's his plunder," said the Director, "Ce n'est bon que pour les poules maintenant!" (It is only fit for the chickens now), answered the cook, who was very much provoked. After the laughter had subsided, Hyacinth received a severe and mortifying reproof. Brother Director said: "Since eating seems to be your chief aim in life, and to save you from stealing, your bed shall be moved into the little clothes room and a plate of cakes and apples placed so that you can munch all night if you wish, without disturbing the rest of the dormitory." The boys passed out laughing. It is needless to add that the apples and cakes were beside the greedy one, every night until he was sick of the sight and smell. French Letter.Mrs. Allen was very anxious that her son should write a letter in French, so to please her he sent the following: College De L'Islet, Janvier 7. Bien ChÈre Maman: Votre card de postal etait recu hier et je l'ai lu avec beaucoup de playsir. Je suis toujour content a recevoir vos lettres, parceque vous est mon premier amour, je vous aime plus que tout dans le monde et dans le ciel exceptey le bon Dieu et la sainte Vierge. S'il vous play, envoyer moi de l'argent pour achetey du sucre blanc. Je n'aime pas le sucre brune. Comme ceci est mon premier lettre en franÇais, si Je suis avec tout l'amour de mon coeur votre fils. B. Allen. Translation of Letter.My Dear Mamma: Your postal card was received yesterday and I read it with much pleasure. I am always so glad to receive your letters, because you are my first love, my own dearest mother! I love you more than anything in this world or in Heaven, except the good God and the Holy Virgin. If you please, send me some money. I want to buy some white sugar, as I don't like the brown sugar they give here. As this is my first French letter if you please don't make fun over my faults. I am with all the love of my heart, Your son, B. Allen. Palm Beach, Fla., January. My Very Dear Child: Papa and I are much pleased with your effort at French letter-writing, you spell as the words are pronounced, but you will soon learn to correct that. Don't forget accents. They are as important as letters in writing French. I enclose two dollars for the sugar. Papa is improving in health and spirits in this delightful climate. I am writing at an open window, with the odor of roses and Jessamine wafting into my room. Dearest make good use of your time. Papa is particularly anxious about your arithmetic, and you know that's your weak point. We are so pleased Your loving mother, M. Allen. P. S.—I should not have said "sporting," for alligators are sluggish beasts, but often may be seen in the mud in clusters, a tail-switching, or a head raised, on the watch for prey. L'Islet, January 15. Bien ChÈre MÈre: I have just received a Christmas gift from that old lady we always called "Madame." You know she never would say my name, always calling me "Bon Homme." The following verse is written on the fly-leaf of the book she sent. Don't you think it cute? Madame. Avec beaucoup d' amour je suis votre fils. B. Allen. Bien ChÈre MÈre: Vous me demandez encore une autre lettre en franÇais! Whew! How am I to manage Hier j'aidÉ le frÈre Pascal, qui est le cuisiniere de porte le bois dans la cuisine, without thinking, j'ai laisser tomber les morceau de bois dans un chaudron de soup. Le bon frÈre didn't get mad, he just said: "Tu a fais ton mieux mon petit, voici des pommes en payment de votre ouvrage." I didn't consider it work, it was just play. J'ai achete' des raquettes (snow shoes) we have a fine skating rink, and we play hockey every day. I had to buy new moccasins, mine were all cut after a long walk over a rough road. I have a new Cache-nez (muffler) and a surtout; et un casquette Canadian, which covers toute ma tete et mes oreilles, leaving only my eyes and nose free, so I don't feel the cold, although the thermometer is always below zero. March 5th. Dear Papa and Mamma: It is now three weeks since I wrote the above. I have been in the infirmary, but don't be alarmed; I'm all right now. The way it was, the boys dared me to climb a telegraph pole covered with ice. As I had once climbed a greased pole, I thought I could manage this one. I succeeded somehow, though I had a hard tussle to accomplish the feat. The boys cheered and made such a racket, one of I am fed on "sugar and spice and everything nice." Monsieur Le CurÉ sits with me every day. I could walk now if they would let me. I am not losing my lessons, but keep up as near as possible with the classes. Brother Director hears me the lessons. Brother Paul (the Infirmarian) does not speak a word of English, so that will help my French. Give my love to dear Papa and to Aunt Euhler. I will write her a letter soon, her last about the tame alligator was enjoyed by the whole College. She says you all eat alligator's tails, that the meat is like chicken. I wish you could send one up here, I'd like to taste it. Now don't worry, I'll soon be as well as ever. J'ai l'honneur de me dire, avec une parfaite affection, Votre fils—Ahem! Bolax. Easter Sunday. Bien Cher Papa et ChÈre Maman: I still continue strong and well, and pray that you and dear Papa are in good health. I have really tried hard to study and keep the rules of the College. With this I send I long so to see you as the time approaches for vacation. I go to Holy Communion every Sunday and First Friday, but you needn't think I am going to be a Christian Brother, or a Priest. I would be afraid I might get tired and cut up didoes like that Monk we read of in Ivanhoe. Always votre fils, Bolax. P. S.—The Monk's name was Friar Tuck. I remember Uncle Dick telling about him. "Hurrah, Hurrah! for vacation's coming, And the weeks of Jubilee!" Awarding Prizes.The weeks rolled on in spite of the oft-repeated saying among students, "Vacation will never come." The examinations began on June 15th; quite a number of patrons attended. Bolax stood the test of examination finely, all things considered, but his former lack of application showed itself in several things, particularly arithmetic. In addition to the three medals given by the gentlemen, a prize had been offered for the best declamation. All prizes were to be awarded at the closing exercises on Commencement Day. The large exhibition hall was crowded on that afternoon, which was a regular fete for the people of L'Islet. Great pains had been taken to dress the hall, its walls were festooned with evergreens, and The boys were dressed in white pants and blue jackets. Everything that skill and taste, combined with economy, could suggest, had been done to make the place attractive, and the occasion pleasant. "What uncouth creatures boys are!" observed one young lady to a bevy of misses seated near her. "Look, there isn't one in that crowd sitting gracefully, they all act as if their hands were in their way." "You don't mean to say my brother is ungraceful, do you?" asked Julie Bernier. "Oh, I'm not referring to the collegiate class; they certainly are gentlemen, but the juniors." "I think," remarked Anaise Latour, "Young Allen, one of the American boys, is very graceful, and he has such a pleasant expression of face." "Oh, he's too fat to be graceful," retorted Julie Bernier. A general titter followed this remark. Before the girls were ready to renew their criticisms, the call bell rang. Brother Director announced that the exercises would open with an address by Monsieur Le CurÉ. After the address came the spirited hymn, "Nous Sommes Les Soldats de la Foi" (We are the Soldiers of the Faith), played by the College band, and sung by all the boys. Next on the program came the declamations by the juniors, of course, most of the pieces were given in French, as few among the audience understood English. George Fulton came first, with a comic Piece, taking off "Stump Speaking." This elicited much applause, Bolax Allen gave Joaquin Miller's "Columbus." As he imitated the Admiral's "Sail on! Sail on! Sail on and on!" he thrilled the audience with the power of his voice. One could almost fancy they saw Columbus as he paced his deck on the eventful night before he sighted land. Mr. H. Bernier and Mr. L. Harrison entered into a comic debate as to the superior merits of their respective nations. Bernier for the French, Harrison for the English. The young gentlemen seemed so in earnest, got into a dispute and spoke in such angry tones, that every one expected to see them resort to fisticuffs. At a point when they appeared to be in a rage against each other, old Farmer Tourier happened to come into the hall, and being struck with what he thought the disgraceful conduct of the boys, jumped on the stage to separate them. "Have you no respect for Monsieur Le CurÉ and the Brothers?" he demanded in a loud voice. Monsieur Le CurÉ and the other gentlemen on the platform were so convulsed with laughter, it was some minutes before any one interfered. The audience fairly shouted and clapped, it was a regular pandemonium. At last one of the Brothers went up to poor old Tourier and whispered to him. You should have seen his crestfallen appearance when he found he had been making a laughing stock of himself. Poor old fellow, all summer the villagers laughed whenever they met him, as his wife said: "On a bien ri ce jour lÀ, et tout le monde rit-encore!" (People laughed that day, and they laugh yet.) Brother Director appointed a committee to decide on the merits of the declaimers and to award the prize. When these gentlemen arrived at a decision, Brother awarded the medals. After a brief address by Monsieur Le CurÉ, in which he showed that the highest reward of study is not a medal or prize of any kind, but the mental growth and power which comes from it to the student. "Still," he added, "a prize is not to be despised, because it symbolizes the diligence, obedience and perseverance of the winners. Hence, my boys, I wish you ever to set a higher value on the character which wins, than the prize which is won. "The committee of examinations have unanimously awarded the silver medal for general excellence in all studies to Louis Tascherau." Here cheers were given for Louis. "The silver medal for the best composition is awarded to Bolax Allen." Cheers were heartily given for Bolax, and the young ladies in the audience could not say this boy was not able to make a most graceful bow. "The committee on declamation found it very difficult to decide between the speakers. There was but a shade of difference in favor of Fulton, so he received the medal." George was loudly applauded, for he was a jolly fellow, liked by the whole school, masters and scholars, although inclined to make fun out of time. To his utter astonishment, Bolax heard his name called again, this time to receive a medal for strictly keeping the rules of the College, and giving good example by his upright conduct on all occasions. Huzzas three times repeated showed that he had won the good will of his companions. As Monsieur Le CurÉ placed the medal around Bo's neck, he whispered. "I wish your worthy parents were here to see your triumph." After the juniors had received their rewards, the young collegians were introduced by Brother Director. Some of them spoke on learned topics, rather above the comprehension of many in the audience, but evidently highly appreciated by the priests and other gentlemen seated on the platform. Mr. Brenier received the gold cross, the highest reward given to a graduate. T. Harrison and H. de Villiers received gold medals for excellence in all studies. HonorÉ gave the Valedictory, dressed in a long black gown and doctor's cap, he looked very handsome and proved himself a fine orator. He was interrupted by frequent bursts of applause. At last came one tumultuous and prolonged, that proclaimed the conclusion of his oration. The exercises being ended, the band struck up, and all sang the vacation song: Quel plaisir nous allous partir Les vacances vont commencer! When the music had ceased, the students with their parents and friends, were invited to partake of After the boys left, the College was so quiet, the halls and rooms so empty that Bolax and Fulton were overpowered with loneliness. They were the only scholars who had to remain. Harrison, the other "American" boy, had gone to his uncle in Montreal to spend his vacation. Bolax expected soon to hear from his parents, who were on their way to Canada, and Fulton was invited to spend a few weeks with his chum, de Villiers, at the pretty village of "Trois Pistolets." On the morning of the fourth day of vacation, Brother Julien took the boys out for a sail on the St. Lawrence. He brought a hamper of good things for luncheon, and fishing tackle to give them employment. They were very lucky and filled a basket with fine trout, but just as they were preparing to return the wind changed, and the boat was becalmed. They had made up their minds to pass the night on the water, when fortunately, a strong north wind filled the sails, and they steered for home. It was after dark when they got to the pier, where they found Brother Director and a crowd of villagers on their knees praying "La bonne St. Anne," to protect the boat with its precious cargo. |
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