Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 01.pdf/341

302 obtained two other situations, but with no better result, and departed from the place leaving behind him an unsavory reputation. He was remembered as being a man of peculiar disposition, ridiculously vain, and somewhat of a hypocrite.

Éliçabide then sought to obtain a position as principal of some institute. He went to Bordeaux, where he took his degree, passing his examinations with some distinction. His thesis upon duelling, which he delivered, and which was a religious and philosophical discourse in which he showed his peculiar qualities, manifested a sophistical and puritanical spirit.

Toward the end of 1837 Éliçabide took charge of a primary school, founded by the Superior of the Seminary of Betharram, in a little village near Pau. Among his pupils was a charming child whose mother, who lived in Pau, often came to visit him. This lady, whose modest, simple dress showed her station in life, had a most pleasing face; her reputation was beyond reproach, and she was noted for her piety and deeds of charity. Marie Anizat was a widow with two little children, Joseph and Mathilde. To provide them with a home and to give them a proper education, the young mother was dependent upon her own exertions. She accepted the task with maternal courage. All admired her zeal and her skill, and she accomplished such prodigies that she was not long in placing her little family beyond the fear of want. Her tender solicitude for her children and the purity of her life won for her general esteem and affection.

Then it was that the poor widow had the misfortune to meet Éliçabide. Born in the same province as Marie, a man seemingly religious, the instructor of her son Joseph, and one whom she admired for his knowledge and his genius, Éliçabide could hardly fail to produce upon this simple woman a deep impression. The kindnesses which he bestowed upon her son served to win her heart, and erelong the vow of love was spoken. Marie saw in the future depicted by the teacher a life free from care for her and hers, a happy home guarded by a protector of whom she would be proud. Éliçabide often talked to her of Paris, and whispered in her ear words which spoke of glory, fortune, happiness. She believed them all, in the simplicity of her heart.

He, however, began to tire of a life of quiet, regular duties. His modest employment assured him an honorable living; but he became discontented, thinking that a mind like his could win reputation and admiration in a larger, wider field. He had that secret longing which has proved the ruin of so many ambitious peasants, the longing for Paris.

He did not hesitate; and in the month of October, 1839, suddenly announced his intention of seeking his fortune in the city of his dreams. In spite of the wise counsels of his superiors, in spite of the tender solicitude of Marie, whose simple good sense would have preferred the happiness which was assured them in her native place, he departed. He announced before going that he was about to realize his fondest hopes, and quieted the fears of the poor widow by his promises of a speedy union and a life of comfort and ease, which he would easily win by his brilliant talents.

Arrived at Paris with but little baggage, and a few hundred francs in his pocket, Éliçabide went to lodge in a little inn in the Rue du Petit-Pont. One of his compatriots also lived there, a young student by the name of Beslay, who had formerly been at the Seminary of Betharram.

The two young men vied with each other in constructing marvellous castles in the air; but these not being particularly substantial, they soon found their funds exhausted and poverty staring them in the face.

After his departure from Pau, Éliçabide kept up a constant correspondence with Marie Anizat. He had concealed from her all knowledge of his straitened circumstances. His pride would have suffered too much by such a confession. Far from ad-