He had a large hotel and a splendid establishment; he was one of the great capitalists of Paris.

The relationship between Dalibard and Bellanger was not very close,--it was that of cousins twice removed; and during Dalibard's previous residence at Paris, each embracing different parties, and each eager in his career, the blood-tie between them had not been much thought of, though they were good friends, and each respected the other for the discretion with which he had kept aloof from the more sanguinary excesses of the time.

As Bellanger was not many years older than Dalibard; as the former had but just married in the year 1791, and had naturally before him the prospect of a family; as his fortunes at that time, though rising, were unconfirmed; and as some nearer relations stood between them, in the shape of two promising, sturdy nephews,--Dalibard had not then calculated on any inheritance from his cousin.

On his return, circumstances were widely altered: Bellanger had been married some years, and no issue had blessed his nuptials.

His nephews, draughted into the conscription, had perished in Egypt.