On his road, overcome by his grief, he bought some opium at Dieppe, shut himself up in his apartment, wrote his adieus to his beloved, a letter of reproaches to his father, and took the poison.

Nature saved him, and repentance ensued--he went, and, throwing himself at his father's feet, they were reconciled.
At four and twenty years of age, after seven campaigns, he brought from the wars only twenty-two wounds, a decoration, the rank of captain, a pension of 600 livres, debts contracted in the service, and a hopeless love, which preyed upon his mind.

His ambition, spurred by his love, made him seek in politics that success which war had hitherto refused him.
There was then in Paris one of those enigmatic men who are at the same time intriguers and statesmen.

Unknown and unconsidered, they play under some name parts hidden, but important in affairs.

Men of police, as well as of politics, the governments that employ and despise them pay their services, not in appointments, but in subsidies.