He was not forty, of an extremely aristocratic appearance, highly educated, and witty; and, in addition, one of the largest landholders in the country.

He had always refused to enter public life.

"For," he would say to those who spoke to him on the matter, "I have enough to spend my money on without making myself ridiculous." He was a perfect type of what a French gentleman should be--courteous, of unblemished reputation, and full of chivalrous devotion and generosity.

He was, it is said, a great favorite with the fair sex; but, if report spoke truly, his discretion was as great as his success.

He had not always been wealthy, and there was a mysterious romance in his life.