Page:Pen And Pencil Sketches - Volume I.djvu/28

makers, harness-makers, trimmers, and so on. The yard sheds were partly occupied by such carriages as were let on hire for the day ; and well do I remember on a Derby or Ascot morning the post- boys arriving with their horses from Newman's (now gone for ever). How smart and clean they looked in their blue jackets, white hats and breeches, shining top-boots, and flowers in their button-holes, as they trotted gaily forth in the morning — how dusty and travel-stained on their return in the evening ! Most of the boys had apparently re- freshed themselves pretty freely on the way back, but I never knew one who refused the Mass of gin which was offered him as he got off his saddle. My father used to provide a goodly store of bottles of that beverage on these occasions, and I never heard him complain that any of the liquor had been left. When old enough, I was sent to a school in Foley Place, now Langham Street, conducted by a Mr. and Mrs. Paul. Many, many years after, when calling on my friend Eyre Crowe, I found him painting in a room which I recognised as the one in which I had shed many bitter tears and endured much mental agony as a school-boy. I have heard many say that the happiest time in their lives was that which they passed at school. I cannot agree with them, and can see no reason why I should ever be likely to alter that opinion.