" It was considered nothing less than scandalous. His
mother reproached him for his ingratitude and warned him that he was
driving her to despair. She was ashamed of a son who repaid the
sacrifices they had made to educate him with such a want of proper
feeling. Yet Honore persisted in his attitude of revolt, Honore, who
throughout his childhood and youth had hitherto always submitted
docilely to all the rules and commands of the family. "No, I will not
be a notary,--I wish to become an author,--a celebrated author." They
laughed at him. What promise of talent had he ever given to justify
such absurd pretensions? Was it those wretched scribblings which had
formerly caused so much merriment that now inspired him with such
pride? Very well! he must simply get over it. His little absurdities
were all very funny, when he was at the age of frivolity and nonsense,
but now that he had come to years of discretion, it was time he learned
that life was not play: "So, my boy, you will be a notary." "No,"
repeats Honore, "I shall not.
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