too quickly needed something, either a pen or a needle, to
regulate its movements.

"Now, Jack, you love my child. I have watched you for two months, and I
am satisfied that the future is in your own hands. I wish you to study
medicine and take my place at Etiolles. I first thought of keeping you
here, but I concluded that it would take four years to complete your
studies, and that your residence with us for that length of time would
not be advisable. In Paris you can study in the evening, and work all
day, and come to us on Sundays. I will examine your week's work and
advise you, and Cecile will encourage you. Velpeau and others have done
this, and you can do the same. Will you try? Cecile is the reward."

Jack was utterly overwhelmed, and could only heartily shake the hand of
the old man. But perhaps Cecile's affection was only that of a sister:
and four years was a long time: would she consent to wait?

"Ah, my boy, I cannot answer these questions," said M. Rivals, gayly;
"but I authorize you to ask them at headquarters. Cecile is up-stairs;
go and speak to her."

That was rather a difficult matter, with a heart going like a
trip-hammer, and a voice choked with emotion. Cecile was writing in the
office.

"Cecile," he said, as he entered the room, "I am going away." She rose
from her seat, very pale. "I am going to work," he continued. "Your
grandfather has given me permission to tell you that I love you, and
that I hope to win you as my wife."

He spoke in so low a voice that any other person than Cecile would have
failed to understand him. But she understood him very well. And in this
room, lighted by the level rays of the setting sun, the young girl stood
listening to this declaration of love as to an echo of her own thoughts.
She was perfectly unabashed and undisturbed, a tender smile on her lips,
and her eyes full of tears. She understood perfectly that their life
would be no holiday, that they would be racked by separations and long
years of waiting.

"Jack," she said, after he had explained all his plans, "I will wait for
you, not only four years, but forever."

Jack went to Paris in search of employment, found it in the house of
Eyssendeck, at six francs a day; then tried to procure lodgings not
too far removed from the manufactory. He was happy, full of hope and
courage, impatient to begin his double work as mechanic and student. The
crowd pushed against him, and he did not feel them; nor was he con