His youth had long been a vexation to him, for he felt that the making of his career depended on his becoming a deputy.

How had he reached his present position?
may be asked.

By very simple means.

He began by taking charge of certain delicate missions which can be given neither to a man who respects himself nor to a man who does not respect himself, but are confided to grave and enigmatic individuals who can be acknowledged or disavowed at will.

His business was that of being always compromised; but his fortunes were pushed as much by defeat as by success.