ss and refusals on Magny's part; but I pushed
my point resolutely, and had means in my hands of overcoming the
stubbornness of that feeble young gentleman. Also, I may say, without
vanity, that if the high and mighty Princess detested me, the Countess
(though she was of extremely low origin, it is said) had better taste
and admired me. She often did us the honour to go partners with us in
one of our faro-banks, and declared that I was the handsomest man in the
duchy. All I was required to prove was my nobility, and I got at Vienna
such a pedigree as would satisfy the most greedy in that way. In fact,
what had a man descended from the Barrys and the Bradys to fear before
any VON in Germany? By way of making assurance doubly sure, I promised
Madame de Liliengarten ten thousand louis on the day of my marriage, and
she knew that as a play-man I had never failed in my word: and I vow,
that had I paid fifty per cent. for it, I would have got the money.

Thus by my talents, honesty, and acuteness, I had, considering I was
a poor patronless outcast, raised for myself very powerful protectors.
Even his Highness the Duke Victor was favourably inclined to me; for,
his favourite charger falling ill of the staggers, I gave him a ball
such as my uncle Brady used to administer, and cured the horse; after
which his Highness was pleased to notice me frequently. He invited me
to his hunting and shooting parties, where I showed myself to be a good
sportsman; and once or twice he condescended to talk to me about my
prospects in life, lamenting that I had taken to gambling, and that I
had not adopted a more regular means of advancement. 'Sir,' said I, 'if
you will allow me to speak frankly to your Highness, play with me is
only a means to an end. Where should I have been without it? A private
still in King Frederick's grenadiers. I come of a race which gave
princes to my country; but persecutions have deprived them of their vast
possessions. My uncle's adherence to his ancient faith drove him from
our country. I too resolved to seek advancement in the military service;
but the insolence and ill-treatment which I received at the hands of
the English were not bearable by a high-born gentleman, and I fled their
service. It was only to fall into another bondage to all appearance
still more hopeless; when my good star sent a preserver to me in my
uncle, and my spirit and gallantry enabled me to take advantage of the
means of escape afforded me. S