So things went on until it became time for Wilkie to take his
degree. He presented himself for examination; and, of course, he
failed. Fortunately, however, M. Patterson was not at a loss for
an expedient. He placed his charge in a private school; and the
following year, at a cost of five thousand francs, he beguiled a
poor devil into running the risk of three years' imprisonment, by
assuming M. Wilkie's name, and passing the examination in his
place. In possession of the precious diploma which opens the door
of every career, M. Wilkie now hoped that his pockets would be
filled, and that he would then be set at liberty. But the hope
was vain! M. Patterson placed him in the hands of an old tutor who
had been engaged to travel with him through Europe; and as this
tutor held the purse-strings, Wilkie was obliged to follow him
through Germany, England, and Italy.

When he returned to Paris he was just twenty years old, and the
very next day M. Patterson conducted him to the suite of rooms
which he still occupied in the Rue du Helder. "You are now in
your own home, M. Wilkie," said M. Patterson in his most
impressive manner. "You are now old enough to be responsible for
your own actions, and I hope you will conduct yourself like an
honest man. From this moment you are your own master. Those who
gave you your education desire you to study law. If I were in
your place, I should obey them. If you wish to be somebody, and
to acquire a fortune, work, for you have no property, nor anything
to expect from any one. The allowance which is granted you, a far
too liberal one in my opinion, may be cut off at any moment. I
don't think it right to conceal this fact from you. But at all
events until then. I am instructed to pay you five thousand