Also, I may say, without vanity, that if the high and mighty Princess detested me, the Countess (though she was of extremely low origin, it is said) had better taste and admired me.

She often did us the honour to go partners with us in one of our faro-banks, and declared that I was the handsomest man in the duchy.

All I was required to prove was my nobility, and I got at Vienna such a pedigree as would satisfy the most greedy in that way.

In fact, what had a man descended from the Barrys and the Bradys to fear before any VON in Germany?
By way of making assurance doubly sure, I promised Madame de Liliengarten ten thousand louis on the day of my marriage, and she knew that as a play-man I had never failed in my word: and I vow, that had I paid fifty per cent.

for it, I would have got the money.
Thus by my talents, honesty, and acuteness, I had, considering I was a poor patronless outcast, raised for myself very powerful protectors.
Even his Highness the Duke Victor was favourably inclined to me; for, his favourite charger falling ill of the staggers, I gave him a ball such as my uncle Brady used to administer, and cured the horse; after which his Highness was pleased to notice me frequently.