is numerous everywhere. It happened that my concierge was from Auvergne
like myself, and he considered it his duty to make me give free
attendance to all those from our country that he could find in the
quarter and everywhere else, so that I had the patriotic satisfaction of
seeing all the charcoal-dealers from Auvergne sprawling in my beautiful
armchairs. Finally, by remaining religiously at home every Sunday in
summer, while the other doctors were away, by rising quickly at night
every time my bell rang, I was able to acquire a practice among a class
of people who were more reasonable and satisfactory. I obtained a prize
at the Academy. At the same time I delivered, at a moderate price,
lectures in anatomy at schools on the outskirts of the city; I gave
lessons; I undertook all the anonymous work of the book trade and of
journalism that I could find. I slept five hours a day, and in four
years I had decreased my debt seven thousand francs. If my upholsterer
wished to be paid I could have it arranged, but that was not his
intention. He wishes to take his furniture that is not worn out, and to
keep the money that he has received. If I do not pay these three
thousand francs in a few days I shall be turned into the street. To tell
the truth, I shall soon have a thousand francs, but those who owe it to
me are not in Paris, or will pay in January. Behold my situation! I am
desperate because there is no one to whom I can apply; those whom I have
asked for money have not listened to me; I have told you that I have no
relatives, and neither have I any friends--perhaps because I am not
amiable. And then I thought of you. You know me. You know that people
say I have a future before me. At the end of three months I shall be a
doctor in the hospitals; my competitors admit that I shall not miss
admission; I have undertaken some experiments that will, perhaps, give me
fame. Will you give me your hand?"

Glady extended it toward him. "I thank you for having applied to me; it