LYSES PALACE HOTEL 151 



them far from desirable animals. French buyers know 

 very well what they are about and they quickly realised 

 that they were being offered a draft rather than chosen 

 lots as in preceding years, and the result was a well- 

 deserved slump in prices ; which was maintained also 

 against the really good lots in the second day's sale, 

 which had been chosen by me on the usual plan. 



At that time Sir Blundell was largely interested in the 

 Elyse"es Palace Hotel (Paris), which is certainlya splendid 

 building, and I used always to stay there for the Paris 

 sales. He was immensely proud of the painting of some 

 of the ceilings in the public rooms, and he had really 

 carried the financing of hotels and clubs to a fine art. 

 His services in connection with the Constitutional Club, 

 in this respect, led to his embarking in politics and 

 subsequent distinction. 



Some day, perhaps, we may have French sales of 

 English brood mares again, but at present the Exchange 

 puts up a forbidding barrier. 



