He would not enter the church, he could not enter the law, he had no interest whatever, and he found himself naturally thrust into the profession of literature.

For a time he had nearly starved; then he had met with some success and had, of course, married without hesitation; after this he had had more misfortunes.

His wife had died leaving him an only son, whom in course of time he had sent to school.

But school was too expensive and he had reluctantly taken the boy home again.

It was in a fit of despair that he wrote to his old friend Augustin Ambrose, asking his advice.