A LESSON IN FRENCH

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 93, 14 January 1919, Page 5

A LESSON IN FRENCH

INCIDENT'AT, AKAKOA.

A very little girf with a. very) cleair frock and a very shiny face, sjdled into tie "Salle a manger" at the Metropole Hotel on' Friday morning, says the "Lyttelton Times," with.an autograph hook in her.liand, and a very Rerious look on her face. At tho head of the table sat General Paw over his morning coffee, and on either ,hand were members of the mission breakfast--ing before an early leave-taking of Akarpa. ; The little inaid icaught the encouraging, eye of Dr. Siegfried, and tendered her hook with a smile. The doctor bent over the page, pencil in har.d, and entered his autograph. "1 shan't. sign," said a fellowtnember to his colleague across the table,-.-"unless I am nsked in French." Thn chnl]enpe.>as thrown out'with a smile, and tho breakfast room became interested in its development.,' Meau,while the .little girl,had reached- the General's elbow, and he signed, to her freat satisfaction. Timidly she tendered the book to her challenger. "Say 'Voulez-vous,' "■ said the big kindjy.' The'little-girl-was slow to comprehend. ■•"Voulez-vous"—said l the teacher encouragingly. ..■.'■■■' ' . ."Voolay voo,", said the pupil. "Signer—" • ■ . '"fieengyay ."■'•■■ "RTI vous plait?" .- . . "Seel ,voo play." The first lesson in French had .been' mn stored perfectly, and the conditions had been fulfilled. Another signature was added to the precious bnok. "You learn vow quicklv," &nid the master., proud oMm pupil,'"and your accent is very good." ' •