"Social inequality is as well understood among children as it is among their elders.
"The son of a rich bourgeois or of a nobleman, almost invariably betrays at the age of ten the arrogance, or haughtiness he will display in fifteen years later.
"Whether children are little men, or men are grown children matters little; all have the consciousness of their condition.
"As for you, surrounded as you were by children of the poor, you heard them continually speak of the hard labors of their parents; the indispensable necessity of work was therefore early impressed on your mind.
"Others of your companions dwelt on the privations and miseries endured by their families; you thus became accustomed to the idea of our poverty.
"Lastly, you saw the greater number of these children resigned and courageous—two of the greatest virtues in the world—and until now, my beloved son, courage and resignation have never failed you.
"At fifteen you competed for a scholarship in one of the high schools, where you finished your studies. Your first education had already borne excellent fruits; for, although many of your new companions belonged to the aristocratic world, their contact never altered your precious qualities, and you never knew the meaning of either jealousy or envy.
"Later, you entered as junior clerk in a notary's office, with a man who has long been my friend, and who alone holds the secret and administers my fortune. Until now, the discretion of this friend has equaled his devotion. Near him, you have acquired a perfect knowledge of business; and, thanks to my foresight, you shall be in a position to skilfully and advantageously administer the considerable wealth I have amassed.
"My conscience does not reproach me; and yet, I admit that I sometimes fear you will address this reproach to my memory:
"While you accumulated these riches, my father, you condemned me without mercy to the most cruel privations.