Though untitled, he descends from your old aristocracy; in fact, I believe, as his name shows, from the same stem as the Richelieus.

His father was a great scholar, and I believe he has read much himself.

Might have distinguished himself in literature or at the bar, but his parents died fearfully poor; and some distant relations in commerce took charge of him, and devoted his talents to the 'Bourse.' Seven years ago he lived in a single chamber, 'au quatrieme,' near the Luxembourg.

He has now a hotel, not large but charming, in the Champs Elysees, worth at least six hundred thousand francs.

Nor has he made his own fortune alone, but that of many others; some of birth as high as your own.