Then, Marquis, we were poor, miserably poor, and yet we all had vague hopes of future greatness." Croisenois endeavored to conceal a sneer; the story was not a very interesting one.
"As I said before, each one of us anticipated a brilliant career.
Catenac had gained a prize by his 'Treatise on the Transfer of Real Estate,' and Hortebise had written a pamphlet regarding which the great Orfila had testified approval.

Nor was I without my successes.

Hortebise had unluckily quarrelled with his family.

Catenac's relatives were poor, and I, well, I had no family.

I stood alone.