His science was limited to the four rules, and a very superficial knowledge of grammar.

Later on, he took lessons in writing and bookkeeping.

Madame Raquin began to tremble when advised to send her son to college.

She knew he would die if separated from her, and she said the books would kill him.

So Camille remained ignorant, and this ignorance seemed to increase his weakness.
At eighteen, having nothing to do, bored to death at the delicate attention of his mother, he took a situation as clerk with a linen merchant, where he earned 60 francs a month.