CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.
DARK DAYS.
It does not take boys and girls long to find out that realization is not always equal to anticipation.

Especially is this so with thoughtful, sober-minded boys like the young Napoleon.
At first, on his arrival at Valence, as lieutenant in his regiment, he set out to have a good time.
He took lodging with an old maid who let out rooms to young officers, in a house on Grand Street, in the town of Valence.

Her name was Mademoiselle Bon.

She kept a restaurant and billiard--room; and Napoleon's room was on the first floor, fronting the street, and next to the noisy billiard--room.

This was not a particularly favorable place for a boy to pursue his studies; and at first Napoleon seem disposed to make the most of what boys would call his "freedom." He went to balls and parties; became a "great talker;" took dancing lessons of Professor Dautre, and tried to become what is called a "society man." But it suited neither his tastes nor his desires, and made a large hole in his small pay as lieutenant.