Fate's face is gray.
Notwithstanding, my personal position has established itself and progressively improved.

I am getting three hundred and sixty francs a month, and besides, I have a share in the profits of the litigation office--about fifty francs a month.

It is a year and a half since I was stagnating in the little glass office, to which Monsieur Mielvaque has been promoted, succeeding me.

Nowadays they say to me, "You're lucky!" They envy me--who once envied so many people.

It astonishes me at first, then I get used to it.
I have restored my political plans, but this time I have a rational and normal policy in view.