صفحة 2 من 483

As the circumstances of his marriage illustrate his character, I

cannot refrain from relating them. One of his most intimate

friends was a merchant who, from a flourishing state, fell,

through numerous mischances, into poverty. This man, whose name

was Beaufort, was of a proud and unbending disposition and could

not bear to live in poverty and oblivion in the same country

where he had formerly been distinguished for his rank and

magnificence. Having paid his debts, therefore, in the most

honourable manner, he retreated with his daughter to the town of

Lucerne, where he lived unknown and in wretchedness. My father

loved Beaufort with the truest friendship and was deeply grieved

by his retreat in these unfortunate circumstances. He bitterly

deplored the false pride which led his friend to a conduct so

little worthy of the affection that united them. He lost no time

in endeavouring to seek him out, with the hope of persuading him

to begin the world again through his credit and assistance.