They live in an insolent luxury; and whoever cannot imitate them,"-- here Napoleon dashed a hand to his forehead,--"Oh, it is to die of humiliation!" "At your age, my Napoleon, one submits and blames no one," said Monsieur Permon, smiling, in spite of himself, at the boy's desperation.
"At my age' yes, sir," Napoleon rejoined, as if keeping back some great thought.

"But later--ah, if, some day, I should ever be master! However"-- and the French shrug that is so eloquent completed the sentence.
"However,"-- Monsieur Permon took up his words--"while waiting, one may now and then find a friend.

And you take your part here with the boys, do you not ?" Napoleon was silent; and Monsieur Permon, remembering the trouble that had weighed Eliza down, concluded also that some such trial might be a part of Napoleon's school-life.
"Let me help you, my boy," he said.
At this unexpected proposition Napoleon flushed deeply; then the red tinge paled into the sallow one again, and he responded, "I thank you, sir, but I do not need it." "Napoleon," said Monsieur Permon, "your mother is my wife's dearest friend; your father has long been my good comrade.

Is it right for sons to refuse the love of their fathers, or for boys to reject the friendships of their elders?
Pride is excellent; but even pride may sometimes be pernicious.

It is pride that sets a barrier between you and your companions.