“The fathers of my two companions, richer than mine, paid the sums they had taken, and I, not being able to pay, took the part of escaping by flight from the shame and the punishment I should have undergone. “Madame Manzoni advised me to throw myself on your mercy, and she gave me a little box which you shall have to-day. I only got to Paris yesterday, and have only two louis, a little linen, and the clothes on my back. I am twenty-five, have an iron constitution, and a determination to do all in my power to make an honest living; but I can do nothing. I have not cultivated any one talent in a manner to make use of it now. I can play on the flute, but only as an amateur. I only know my own language, and I have no taste for literature. So what can you make of me? I must add that I have not a single expectation, least of all from my father, for to save the honour of the family he will be obliged to sell my portion of the estate, to which I shall have to bid an eternal farewell.” If the count’s story had surprised me, the simplicity with which he told it had given me pleasure; and I was resolved to do honour to Madame Manzoni’s introduction, feeling that it was my duty to serve a fellow-countryman, who was really guilty of nothing worse than gross thoughtlessness. “Begin,” said I, “by bringing your small belongings to the room next to mine, and get your meals there. I will pay for everything while I am looking out for something which may do for you. “We will talk of business to-morrow, for as I never dine here I rarely if ever come home till late, and I do not expect to have the honour of seeing you again today. Leave me for the present, as I have got some work to do; and if you go out to walk, beware of bad company, and whatever you do keep your own counsel. You are fond of gaming, I suppose?” “I hate it, as it has been the cause of half my troubles.” “And the other half, I’ll wager, was caused by women.” “You have guessed aright--oh, those women!” “Well, don’t be angry with them, but make them pay for the ill they have done you.” “I will, with the greatest pleasure, if I can.” “If you are not too particular in your goods, you will find Paris rich in such commodities.” “What do you mean by particular? I would never be a prince’s pathic.” “No, no, I was not thinking of that. I mean by ‘particular’ a man who cannot be affectionate unless he is in love. The man who . . . .” “I see what you mean, and I can lay no claim to such a character. Any hag with golden eyes will always find me as affectionate as a Celadon.” “Well said! I shall soon be able to arrange matters for you.” “I hope you will.” “Are you going to the ambassador’s?” “Good God!--no! What should I do when I got there? Tell him my story? He might make things unpleasant for me.” “Not without your going to see him, but I expect he is not concerning himself with your case.” “That’s all I ask him.”