His
father never inquired into the matter, though he made a casual
reference to it in his next letter, saying that he was glad Cyril had
obtained some money, as it would, at the moment, have been
inconvenient to him to send any over.
Cyril worked assiduously at the school that had been recommended to
him by the Cure, and at the end of two years he had still twenty
louis left. He had several conversations with his adviser as to the
best way of earning his living.
"I do not wish to spend any more, Father," he said, "and would fain
keep this for some future necessity."
The Cure agreed with him as to this, and, learning from his master
that he was extremely quick at figures and wrote an excellent hand,
he obtained a place for him with one of the principal traders of the
town. He was to receive no salary for a year, but was to learn
book-keeping and accounts. Although but fourteen, the boy was so
intelligent and zealous that his employer told the Cure that he found
him of real service, and that he was able to entrust some of his
books entirely to his charge.
Six months after entering his service, however, Cyril received a
letter from his father, saying that he believed his affairs were on
the point of settlement, and therefore wished him to come over in the
first ship sailing. He enclosed an order on a house at Dunkirk for
fifty francs, to pay his passage. His employer parted with him with
regret, and the kind Cure bade him farewell in terms of real
affection, for he had come to take a great interest in him.
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