"The chapel is a pretty and simple building of the early decorated character, designed by Père Robert, who was formerly an engineer. The windows and buttresses are in excellent taste; and the ceiling, though of sham stone, is so well done that I doubted whether it were not real, though a look at the buttresses, after seeing the interior, would convince one of the contrary. There is a subterraneous chapel, or rather a crypt which will be one, which I like particularly. Père Robert showed us his design for ornamenting the east end of the chapel, which is in excellent taste."--_M._
We dined with them at twelve "in the refectory. There was a crucifix at one side, in the middle of the long room; and before it stood the Supérieur while we said grace."--_M._; and we supped with them at seven, in the midst of 180 boys. Absolute silence was kept, and a youth at a tribune in the middle read first a verse or two of the Gospels, and then some of 'Daniel's History of France.' Nothing could be more simple than their dress; the masters were distributed at intervals down the tables. The school was to educate laymen and ecclesiastics together, and they showed with pride a young man who had become priest out of their house, just twelve years after his first communion. This is generally in the twelfth year, but earlier or later according to the state of the individual. They take their first communion after special confession, and _before_ confirmation; we narrowly escaped seeing this sacrament conferred by the archbishop, who had only left two days before. Confession begins at seven according to _rule_, but generally before that age _in fact_.
At 5 a.m. They rise. Half an hour to get ready. 5½ to 6¼. In chapel; prayers and mass. 6¼ to 8. Study in silence, in school-room. 8 to 8¼. Breakfast, with reading Lives of Saints. 8¼ to 8½. Recreation. 8½ to 10½. Class. Vivâ voce lecture. 10½ to 12. Study. 12 to 12½. Dinner, with reading. 12½ to 1½. Recreation. 1½ to 3. Study. 3 to 4½. Class. 4½ to 5. Recreation. 5 to 7¼. Study. 7¼ to 7¾. Lecture Spirituelle, and Evening Prayers; the time at which the Supérieur took notice of anything which had occurred, gave advice, &c. 7¾ to 8¼. Supper. 8¼ to 8¾. Recreation. Then a minute or two of prayers in chapel, and bed.