himself was small and insignificant, quiet and shy. His friend's
brilliant qualities cast a lustre over him as well, and gave a
certain impetus to his life.

His mother often said: "This friendship between the boys is a real
blessing for my poor Charles, for without it he would certainly
have been a melancholy creature."

When Alphonse was on all occasions preferred to him, Charles
rejoiced; he was proud of his friend. He wrote his exercises,
prompted him at examination, pleaded his cause with the masters,
and fought for him with the boys.

At the commercial academy it was the same story. Charles worked
for Alphonse, and Alphonse rewarded him with his inexhaustible
amiability and unfailing good-humor.

When subsequently, as quite young men, they were placed in the
same banker's office, it happened one day that the principal said
to Charles: "From the first of May I will raise your salary."

"I thank you," answered Charles, "both on my own and on my
friend's behalf."

"Monsieur Alphonse's salary remains unaltered," replied the chief,
and went on writing.

Charles never forgot that morning. It was the first time he had
been preferred or distinguished before his friend. And it was his
commercial capacity, the quality which, as a young man of