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EXPLANATIONS.
At this moment, without warning, the candle on the table went out.
Phillis rose.

"Where are the candles ?" she asked.
"There are no more; this was the last." "Then we must brighten up the fire." She threw a small log on the hearth, and then, instead of resuming her seat, she took a cushion from the sofa, and placing it before the chimney, threw herself upon it, and leaned her elbow on Saniel's knee.
"And now ?" she repeated, her eyes raised to his.
"Now I suppose the only thing for me to do is to return to Auvergne and become a country doctor." "My God! is it possible ?" she murmured in a tone that surprised Saniel.
If there was sadness in this cry, there was also a sentiment that he did not understand.
"On leaving the school I could continue to live at the Hotel du Senat, and, while giving lessons, prepare my 'concours'; now, after having reached a certain position, can I return to this life of poverty and study?
My creditors, who have fallen on me here, will harass me, and my competitors will mock my misery--which is caused by my vices.

They will think that I dishonor the Faculty, and I shall be rebuffed.

Neither doctor of the hospitals nor fellow, I shall be reduced to nothing but a doctor of the quarter.