I had fully decided to earn my living by painting on glass, and was studying for that purpose, when all this fortune poured down upon me.

My father was intensely disappointed when my uncle wrote him that I was a good-for-nothing fellow, and that I would never consent to enter into the service of the Church.

It had been his expressed wish that I should become a clergyman; perhaps he had an idea that in so doing I could atone for the death of my mother.

He became, however, reconciled at last, and wished for me to be here and remain near him.

Ah! how good it is to live, simply to live," he exclaimed.