ing in the
way of pleasure, granting all his wishes, but never losing sight of him
for a moment. And if Wilkie complained of this constant watchfulness,
M. Patterson always replied, "I must obey orders;" and this answer
invariably put an end to the discussion.

So things went on until it became time for Wilkie to take his degree.
He presented himself for examination; and, of course, he failed.
Fortunately, however, M. Patterson was not at a loss for an expedient.
He placed his charge in a private school; and the following year, at a
cost of five thousand francs, he beguiled a poor devil into running the
risk of three years' imprisonment, by assuming M. Wilkie's name, and
passing the examination in his place. In possession of the precious
diploma which opens the door of every career, M. Wilkie now hoped that
his pockets would be filled, and that he would then be set at liberty.
But the hope was vain! M. Patterson placed him in the hands of an old
tutor who had been engaged to travel with him through Europe; and as
this tutor held the purse-strings, Wilkie was obliged to follow him
through Germany, England, and Italy.

When he returned to Paris he was just twenty years old, and the very
next day M. Patterson conducted him to the suite of rooms which he
still occupied in the Rue du Helder. "You are now in your own home, M.
Wilkie," said M. Patterson in his most impressive manner. "You are now
old enough to be responsible for your own actions, and I hope you will
conduct yourself like an honest man. From this moment you are your own
master. Those who gave you your education desire you to study law. If I
were in your place, I should obey them. If you wish to be somebody, and
to acquire a fortune, work, for you have no property, nor anything
to expect from any one. The allowance which is granted you, a far too
liberal one in my opinion, may be cut off at any moment. I don't think
it right to conceal this fact from you. But at all events until then.
I am instructed to pay you five thousand francs quarterly. Here is the
amount for the first quarter, and in three months' time I shall send you
a similar amount. I say 'shall SEND,' because my business compels me
to return to England, and take up my abode there. Here is my London
address; and if any serious trouble befalls you, write to me. Now, my
duty being fulfilled, farewell."

"Go to the devil, you old preacher!" growled Wilkie, as he saw the door
close on the retreating fi