Besides, Maximilian Morrel, though hardly two and twenty, had great influence over his father.

He was a strong-minded, upright young man.

At the time when he decided on his profession his father had no desire to choose for him, but had consulted young Maximilian's taste.

He had at once declared for a military life, and had in consequence studied hard, passed brilliantly through the Polytechnic School, and left it as sub-lieutenant of the 53d of the line.

For a year he had held this rank, and expected promotion on the first vacancy.