It was said that he was embarrassed financially, I remember." "So much so, that when our troupe sought refuge of a stormy night under his roof, we found his son living in a half ruined chateau, haunted by bats and owls, where his youth was passing in sadness and misery.

We persuaded him to come away with us, fearing that he would die there of starvation and melancholy--but I never saw misfortune so bravely borne." "Poverty is no disgrace," said the prince, "and any noble house that has preserved its honour unstained may rise again from its ruins to its ancient height of glory and renown.

But why did not the young baron apply to some of his father's old friends in his distress?
or lay his case before the king, who is the natural refuge of all loyal gentlemen under such circumstances ?" "Misfortunes such as his are apt to breed timidity, even with the bravest," Isabelle replied, "and pride deters many a man from betraying his misery to the world.

When the Baron de Sigognac consented to accompany us to Paris, he hoped to find some opportunity there to retrieve his fallen fortunes; but it has not presented itself.

In order not to be an expense to the troupe, he generously and nobly insisted upon taking the place of one of the actors, who died on the way, and who was a great loss to us.