to outgrow it. He outgrows it only by the gradual hardening

Polytechnique rather low in his class, was appointed, as a favor, sub-

lieutenant in a regiment of cavalry commanded by the Duc de

Maufrigneuse. Oscar had, therefore, in his great misfortune, the small

luck of being, at the Comte de Serizy's instigation, drafted into that

noble regiment, with the promise of promotion to quartermaster within

a year. Chance had thus placed the ex-clerk under the command of the

Madame Clapart, after languishing for some days, so keenly was she

affected by these catastrophes, became a victim to the remorse which