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.
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