Page:Novels of Honoré de Balzac Volume 23.djvu/234

 to learn in six months what the pupils at the Naval College have learnt in six years.”

“Go?” said Ursule, rushing toward them from the steps.

“Yes, mademoiselle, to be worthy of you. And so, the more haste I make, the more affection I shall be showing you.”

“To-day is the third of October,” she said, looking at him with infinite tenderness, “go after the nineteenth.”

“Yes,” said the old man, “we will keep the day of Saint-Savinien.”

“Then good-bye,” cried the young man, “I must spend this week in Paris, and make the necessary applications, preparations and purchases of books and mathematical instruments, win the minister’s favor, and obtain the best possible terms.”

Ursule and her godfather conducted Savinien as far as the gate. After having seen him re-enter his mother’s house, they saw him come out accompanied by Tiennette, who was carrying a small trunk.

“Why, if you are rich, do you force him to serve in the navy?” said Ursule to her godfather.

“I think that it will soon be I who will have created his debts,” said the doctor, smiling. “I do not force him at all; but the uniform, my dear love, and the Cross of the Legion of Honor gained in a fight, will efface many stains. In four years, he may succeed in commanding a vessel, and that is all I ask of him.”