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 Verne studied law, and became a barrister. Then, under the auspices of Captain Darpentigny, a well-known chiromancer, he became intimate with the Dumases, father and son, wrote pieces in conjunction with them, and afterwards worked alone, producing several libretti which had some success at the Théâtre Lyrique, under the direction of the Sevestes and Rety. Among them were "Les Pailles Rompus," "L'Auberge des Ardennes," "Le Collin Maillard," "Onze Jours de Siège," and some operettas, the titles of which escape me. He makes verse with extreme ease; and if ever there was a person who could be called marvelously gifted, it is Jules Verne.

He was a broker in the firm of Eggley, in which he had, and still has, a pecuniary interest, when the success of "Five Weeks in a Balloon" induced him to turn his whole attention to scientific romance.

He brings to his so justly popular works an ardour and faith which greatly contribute to their success. He shrinks from no pains to procure information, and he is careful to fully establish beforehand the facts which he asserts.

He went to America, and returned with the plan of the "Floating City." He accomplished his voyage in ninety-six days, on the "Great Eastern." On reaching New York, he