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Chapter 1 I am by birth a Genevese , and my family is one of the most distinguished of that republic . My ancestors had been for many years counsellors and syndics , and my father had filled several public situations with honour and reputation . He was respected by all who knew him for his integrity and indefatigable attention to public business . He passed his younger days perpetually occupied by the affairs of his country ; a variety of circumstances had prevented his marrying early , nor was it until the decline of life that he became a husband and the father of a family . 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 . Beaufort had taken effectual measures to conceal himself , and it was ten months before my father discovered his abode . Overjoyed at this discovery , he hastened to the house , which was situated in a mean street near the Reuss . But when he entered , misery and despair alone welcomed him . Beaufort had saved but a very small sum of money from the wreck of his fortunes , but it was sufficient to provide him with sustenance for some months , and in the meantime he hoped to procure some respectable employment in a merchant’s house . The interval was , consequently , spent in inaction ; his grief only became more deep and rankling when he had leisure for reflection , and at length it took so fast hold of his mind that at the end of three months he lay on a bed of sickness , incapable of any exertion . His daughter attended him with the greatest tenderness , but she saw with despair that their little fund was rapidly decreasing and that there was no other prospect of support . But Caroline Beaufort possessed a mind of an uncommon mould , and her courage rose to support her in her adversity . She procured plain work ; she plaited straw and by various means contrived to earn a pittance scarcely sufficient to support life .
Назад Сторінка 12 з 150 Сторінка 12 з 150 Вперед Читайте далі з перекладом Створіть безкоштовний акаунт: 7 днів Pro, далі 20 перекладів слів на день або платний тариф.
