“Cruel boy, become a soldier? would you, then, deprive me of the joy of seeing you?”
“No, my mother; no.”
“You must agree to whatever plans we make for your good,” said Louis; “and not be talking of any wild schemes of your own.”
“I am ready to obey; but not yet. One of these days I will go to work, and make a fortune.”
“How, poor, foolish boy? What can you do?”
“Dame! I don’t know now; but set your mind at rest, I will find a way.”
Finding it impossible to make this self-sufficient youth listen to reason, Louis and Mme. Fauvel, after discussing the matter fully, decided that assistance must be forced upon him, and his path in life marked out for him.
It was difficult, however, to choose a profession; and Clameran thought it prudent to wait awhile, and study the bent of the young man’s mind. In the meanwhile it was decided that Mme. Fauvel should place funds at Clameran’s disposal for Raoul’s support.
Regarding Gaston’s brother in the light of a father to her child, Mme. Fauvel soon found him indispensable. She continually longed to see him, either to consult him concerning some step to be taken for Raoul’s benefit, or to impress upon him some good advice to be given.
Thus she was well pleased, when one day he requested the honor of being allowed to call upon her at her own house.