I can tell you all in a few words: If I am not able to procure three thousand francs within two days, I shall be obliged to leave Paris, to give up my studies and my work here, and go and bury myself in my native town and become a plain country doctor." Glady did not flinch; if he had not foreseen the amount he expected the demand, and he continued gazing at his feet.
"You know," continued Saniel, "that I am the son of peasants; my father was marshal in a poor village of Auvergne.

At school I gave proof of a certain aptitude for work above my comrades, and our cure conceived an affection for me and taught me all he knew.

Then he made me enter a small seminary.

But I had neither the docile mind nor the submissive character that was necessary for this education, and after several years of pranks and punishments, although I was not expelled, I was given to understand that my departure would be hailed with delight.

I then became usher in a small school, but without salary, taking board and lodging as payment.