Page:Younger brother, or, The sufferings of Saint Andre.pdf/6

6 universal notice in an exile, the severity of which was softened by the pleasures of society. Of an easy temper and perfectly inexperienced, he knew not how to resist the solicitations of a variety of new friends by whom his company was perpetually courted. The regiment was then at Lisle; the officers played very high, and knowing the vast riches of M de Vilmore they frequently engaged him as one of their dangerous parties. He began, as is most commonly the case by winning, and he ended, which is still more inevitable, by losing. The hope of recovering his money plunged him in to deeper play, till at last his honour was engaged for 24,000 francs. this extremity he wrote to his father and confessed his folly in the most pathetic terms. He received no answer but was arrested and confined in the castle of Saumur. To this punishment he submitted with a resignation which no one could have expected from a temper that was naturally violent. Knowing that all his debts were paid, he felt sentiments of gratitude that enabled him to endure