, who
have become rich restaurant-keepers.'

"Early in the year 1826 the Count had, no doubt, ceased to watch me, and
we were as closely attached as two men can be when one is subordinate to
the other. He had never spoken to me of my future prospects, but he had
taken an interest, both as a master and as a father, in training me. He
often required me to collect materials for his most arduous labors;
I drew up some of his reports, and he corrected them, showing the
difference between his interpretation of the law, his views and mine.
When at last I had produced a document which he could give in as his own
he was delighted; this satisfaction was my reward, and he could see that
I took it so. This little incident produced an extraordinary effect on a
soul which seemed so stern. The Count pronounced sentence on me, to
use a legal phrase, as supreme and royal judge; he took my head in his
hands, and kissed me on the forehead.

"'Maurice,' he exclaimed, 'you are no longer my apprentice; I know not
yet what you will be to me--but if no change occurs in my life, perhaps
you will take the place of a son.'

"Comte Octave had introduced me to the best houses in Paris, whither I
went in his stead, with his servants and carriage, on the too frequent
occasions when, on the point of starting, he changed his mind, and sent
for a hackney cab to take him--Where?--that was the mystery. By the
welcome I met with I could judge of the Count's feelings towards me, and
the earnestness of his recommendations. He supplied all my wants with
the thoughtfulness of a father, and with all the greater liberality
because my modesty left it to him always to think of me. Towards the
end of January 1827, at the house of the Comtesse de Serizy, I had such
persistent ill-luck at play that I lost two thousand francs, and I would
not draw them out of my savings. Next morning I asked myself, 'Had I
better ask my uncle for the money, or put my confidence in the Count?'

"I decided on the second alternative.

"'Yesterday,' said I, when he was at breakfast, 'I lost persistently at
play; I was provoked, and went on; I owe two thousand francs. Will you
allow me to draw the sum on account of my year's salary?'

"'No,' said he, with the sweetest smile; 'when a man plays in society,
he must have a gambling purse. Draw six thousand francs; pay your debts.
Henceforth we must go halves; for since you are my representative on
most occasions, your self-respect must n