The next morning (rather, the next afternoon, for no one in the house had awoken at their usual hour), the post arrived while the family sat at breakfast.
"Here, Henri, my lad," said Monsieur Enjolras, "you've a letter."
A servant handed it to the bespectacled boy and, seeing the handwriting, he exclaimed, "It's from Papa!" He looked meaningfully at Julien and tore it open.
My dear boy,
I apologize I have been so long in writing, but I wished
to be sure of my position before I forwarded your good
news. It just so happens that I am acquainted with the
resident extremity surgeon at the Necker. (I did him a
small favour during the war). I have been in touch with
him these past few weeks and he has assured me
that you will not only have a place at Decartes next fall,
provided you pass your exams (as I am sure you will,
with flying colors), but that you will have an internship
at the hospital when you finish your Bac. He has told me
that any son of mine would be most welcome at the
finest institute of medicine in France, and that he will be
more than willing to see to it that your university expenses
are taken care of. I am sure we shall be ever in his debt.
Congratulations, my dear boy, and I look forward to seeing
you soon. Your mother, Jeanine, and Annette send their love.
Your Loving Father,
M. Q. Combeferre
"Henri, what is it?" Julien asked, touching his friend's leg under the breakfast table. He had been watching pure excitement dawn on friend's face during his perusal of the letter, and he was curious to know what was to be celebrated.
Henri met Julien's gaze, beaming with delight. "I've a place to study at Descartes next fall, and an internship at the Necker once I finish!"
"Oh, mon ami, congratulations!" cried Julien and, not caring that his parents and all of the servants could see, he embraced his freckled friend, wishing him only happiness. "You will make the most splendid physician, won't he Maman?" said Julien in glee, turning to face his mother.
"Of course you will, Henri. I do not know anyone better suited, what with how well you took care of my Julien last night." She gave him a conspiratorial wink.
Both boys looked at her, shocked, and flushed bright red. Monsieur Enjolras continued to read his mail as if nothing was amiss. And, really, nothing was. Clarice turned away and smiled secretly into her teacup, and the boys smiled secretly at one another. A new chapter had opened in their lives. And they would rise to meet its challenges together.