London at the End of the Century:A Book of Gossip
a Beckett, Arthur William
1900
LONDON SCHOOLBOYS AT THE END OF THE CENTURY."
AFTER the House is up for the summer recess the platforms of the various London termini are crowded with young gentlemen in high silk hats and Eton jackets. These are usually in the best of spirits, as they are returning home for the holidays. If they are met by mothers and sisters they are not above bestowing embraces upon their near relatives, but if they happen to be travelling their dignity is tremendous. They give directions to the porters and cabmen with perfect , and emphasise their commands with the most munificent tips. They know that the time for garnering pocket money has passed, and that at home they will find coffers open for the replenishment of empty purses. So the boys depart for their parents' houses amidst the smiles and blessings of sympathetic railway officials and the town | |
342 | bred jehus. But before reaching the platforms most of these lads have been either taking part in or assisting at entertainments of a more or less dramatic character. During the past week the collegians of Stoneyhurst have been performing an operetta, those of Edgbaston a Latin play, and those of St. Augustine's a drama in three acts. Only the other day Harrow had its Speech Day, when limitless amusement was afforded by the croaking of frogs in full evening dress; and Eton commemorated George the Third's birthday with the usual procession of boats and selection of recitations. does little in the summer, reserving the comedies of Plautus and Terence for the long nights of mid-December. |
