CHAPTER IX.
Letters of recommendation from Professors Mas-Roussel, Remusot, Flache, and Borriquel, written in the most flattering terms with regard to Dr.
Pierre Roland, their pupil, had been submitted by M.Marchand to the directors of the Transatlantic Shipping Co., seconded by M.Poulin, judge of the Chamber of Commerce, M.Lenient, a great ship-owner, and Mr.Marival, deputy to the Mayor of Havre, and a particular friend of Captain Beausires's.

It proved that no medical officer had yet been appointed to the Lorraine, and Pierre was lucky enough to be nominated within a few days.
The letter announcing it was handed to him one morning by Josephine, just as he was dressed.

His first feeling was that of a man condemned to death who is told that his sentence is commuted; he had an immediate sense of relief at the thought of his early departure and of the peaceful life on board, cradled by the rolling waves, always wandering, always moving.

His life under his father's roof was now that of a stranger, silent and reserved.

Ever since the evening when he allowed the shameful secret he had discovered to escape him in his brother's presence, he had felt that the last ties to his kindred were broken.