The marquis wished to sell the land in parcels and the count was opposed to such a sale.

The land-agent received therefore the first fire of Desroches' wrath against his ex-second clerk and all the threatening prophecies which he fulminated against him.

The result was that this most sincere friend and protector of the unhappy youth came to the conclusion that his vanity was incorrigible.
"Make him a barrister," said Desroches.

"He has only his last examination to pass.

In that line, his defects might prove virtues, for self-love and vanity give tongues to half the attorneys." At this time Clapart, who was ill, was being nursed by his wife,--a painful task, a duty without reward.