“I did not know that in Paris everything is accomplished through influence, and I imagined that an intelligent man could make his way without assistance.  I was to learn by experience.  When a new doctor arrives anywhere his brother doctors do not receive him with much sympathy.  ‘What does this intruder want?’ ’Are there not enough of us already?’ He is watched, and the first patient that he loses is made use of as an example of his ignorance or imprudence, and his position becomes uncomfortable.  The chemists of my quarter whom I called upon did not receive me very warmly; they made me feel the distance that separates an honorable merchant from a beggar, and I was given to understand that they could patronize me only on condition that I ordered the specialties that they wished to profit by—­iron from this one and tar from that.  On commencing to practise I had as patients only the people of the quarter, whose principle was never to pay a doctor, and who wait for the arrival of a new one in order that they may be rid of the old one and this sort is numerous everywhere.  It happened that my concierge was from Auvergne like myself, and he considered it his duty to make me give free attendance to all those from our country that he could find in the quarter and everywhere else, so that I had the patriotic satisfaction of seeing all the charcoal-dealers from Auvergne sprawling in my beautiful armchairs.  Finally, by remaining religiously at home every Sunday in summer, while the other doctors were away, by rising quickly at night every time my bell rang, I was able to acquire a practice among a class of people who were more reasonable and satisfactory.  I obtained a prize at the Academy.  At the same time I delivered, at a moderate price, lectures in anatomy at schools on the outskirts of the city; I gave lessons; I undertook all the anonymous work of the book trade and of journalism that I could find.  I slept five hours a day, and in four years I had decreased my debt seven thousand francs.  If my upholsterer wished to be paid I could have it arranged, but that was not his intention.  He wishes to take his furniture that is not worn out, and to keep the money that he has received.  If I do not pay these three thousand francs in a few days I shall be turned into the street.  To tell the truth, I shall soon have a thousand francs, but those who owe it to me are not in Paris, or will pay in January.  Behold my situation!  I am desperate because there is no one to whom I can apply; those whom I have asked for money have not listened to me; I have told you that I have no relatives, and neither have I any friends—­perhaps because I am not amiable.  And then I thought of you.  You know me.  You know that people say I have a future before me.  At the end of three months I shall be a doctor in the hospitals; my competitors admit that I shall not miss admission; I have undertaken some experiments that will, perhaps, give me fame.  Will you give me your hand?”