At the Place de la Concorde

The automobile is now crossing the Place de la Concorde, one of the most famous spots of Paris. In the very center of this square is to be found 2 the obelisk that was brought 3 here from Egypt. Your guidebook does not say that French science deciphered the hieroglyphics which cover its stones. You will not find that in this book, but we Frenchmen will tell it to every foreigner.

And now, look at those eight statues situated around the square. They symbolize the eight principal cities of France. I have been told 3 that all young Americans 4 are well versed in these details of the history of France, especially since the World War.

When you read this in your books, were you not all deeply touched ? Think of it ! We draped in black this statue when the Germans annexed Alsace-Lorraine after the War of 1870. This mourning saddened the hearts 5 of the French people for forty-four years. However, at the beginning o£ the World War, in 1914, it was torn away 3 and now thanks to the American army it is removed forever.

Let us stop here a moment. You can see more sights from here than from any other place in Paris. For example, glance to your right. There is the famous Garden of the Tuileries. A little farther on, the mass of the Louvre stands out against the blue sky. You probably remember that the former kings of France lived there.

Here ! Look right before you. Do you see that beautiful

1 Future. 2 se trouver. 3 Use on.

4 Use definite article. 5 le cœur.