This indigence alone led him to resign his aristocratic independence and freedom of action.

He had not entered the state service from ambition, but for money, that he might have the means of supporting his mother and unmarried sisters, and enable himself to live according to his rank and old aristocratic name.

Baron Weingarten would have made any sacrifice, submitted to any service, to obtain wealth.

Poverty had demoralized him, pride had laid a mildew on his heart and stifled all noble aspirations.

As he read a letter, just received from his mother, complaining of wants and privations, telling of the attachment of a young officer to his sister, and that poverty alone prevented their marriage, his heart was filled with repining, and at this moment he was prepared to commit a crime, if, by so doing, he could have obtained wealth.
In this despairing and sorrowful mood he had entered the office, and awaited in vain for petitioners who would pay him richly for his services.