"Since then I have kept a public scrivener's stall at the Cemetery
of the Saints Innocent, and lend to servant girls in love a pen,
which should rather have described the illustrious men of Rome and
commented on the writings of the holy fathers. I earn two farthings
for every love letter, and it is a trade by which I rather die than
live. But I do not forget that Epictetus was a slave and Pyrrho a
gardener.

"Just now, unexpectedly, I have been paid a whole crown for an
anonymous letter. I have not had anything to eat for two days.
Therefore I at once looked out for a cook-shop. From outside in the
street I perceived your illuminated sign and the fire of your
chimney throwing joyful flaming lights on the windows. On your
threshold I smelt delicious odours. I came in, and now, my dear
host, you have the history of my life."

"I have become aware that it is the life of a good man," said my
father, "and with the exception of Colas' cow there is hardly
anything to complain of. Give me your hand! We are friends, what's
your name?"

"Jerome Coignard, doctor of divinity, master of arts."




CHAPTER IV

The Pupil of M. Jerome Coignard--I receive Lessons in Latin Greek
and Life.