In duty, simply accepted and simply discharged, he found happiness.

After all, it is only thus that one does find happiness.
Marcel bowed with courage and good grace to his new existence.

He continued his father's life, entering the groove at the very spot where he had left it.

He devoted himself without regret to the obscure career of a country doctor.

His father had left him a little land and a little money; he lived in the most simple manner possible, and one half of his life belonged to the poor, from whom he would never receive a penny.
This was his only luxury.
He found in his way a young girl, charming, penniless, and alone in the world.