"What is his name?"
"M. Oudard.... You will introduce yourself to him in my name."
"Oh, General, I can hardly believe my good fortune."
The general looked at me with an indescribably kindly expression. This reminded me that I had not even thanked him. I threw my arms round his neck and kissed him. He began to laugh.
"There is good stuff in you," he said; "but remember what you have promised me: study!"
"Oh yes, General; I am now going to live by my handwriting: but I promise you that one day I shall live by my pen."
"We shall see; take your pen and write to your mother."
"No, General, no; I wish to tell her this good news with my own lips. To-day is Tuesday; I will start to-night: I will spend Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday with her; I will come back here on the night of Sunday—and on Monday I will go to my office."
"But you will ruin yourself in carriages!"