After a short time she and her husband were separated--on the condition of her sacrificing to the man whom she had married the whole of the little fortune that she possessed in her right.
"Gaining her freedom, my mother had to gain her daily bread next.

Her family refused to take her back.

She attached herself to a company of strolling players.
"She was earning a bare living in this way, when my father accidentally met with her.

He was a man of high rank, proud of his position, and well known in the society of that time for his many accomplishments and his refined tastes.

My mother's beauty fascinated him.