The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 361: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

344 tEYNOLDS’ WORKS various circumstances and vicissitudes over the face of the earth. What was I to do? The notary suggested that I should memorialize King Louis Philippe, setting forth the claims which I inherited from my father, and explaining my position. I adopted this course, but Louis Philippe had no sympathy with the old nobility who had served the elder branch of Bourbons, he being the representative of the younger. My memorial therefore produced no effect. Time passed on, and I endeavoured to obtain the influence of some eminent men to induce the king to alter his decision, but. all in vain; and while I was thus suffering the tortures of hope deferred, my slender means were rapidly disappearing. Thus nearly three years passed away, and at length I could no longer close my eyes to the conviction that I had nothing to expect from the hand of the royalty of France. J am now speaking of exactly five years ago, at which period the incident occurred to which all that I have just been saying is but the necessary preface.’’ The Marquis of Villebelle paused in the sadness of the memories conjured up by his narrative, and Constance could not help experiencing the most tender interest on his behalf. She even ceased to recollect for the moment the deception which he had practised toward her, and he felt that her hand imparted a fond pressure to his own as he held it in his clasp. ‘“ Five years ago, then, at the period of which I am speak- ing,’ continued the Marquis of Villebelle, “‘ I found myself utterly ruined, — I may say even penniless, houseless, and friendless. Alas! Constance, humiliating as it is to a man of proud spirit and elevated notions to make such a confes- sion, yet for the sake of truth am I bound to state that no pauper grovelling upon the face of the earth was at that moment more destitute than I. What was to become of me? My education had not fitted me for business habits, and therefore I knew beforehand that 1t was vain to seek the situation of a clerk. Should I become a private soldier? No, I could not bear the idea of serving with my sword that monareh who had behaved so ungratefully to my father and so scornfully toward myself. Yet was it absolutely necessary to do something, for | had not even where to lay my head, nor the smallest coin in my pocket. Suicide — Ah! you may well start, my beloved Constance, but that appeared to be the only alternative. Gomichbooks (E(0)