Ferdinand
From dire necessity! My father spent everything, even the fortune of
my poor mother, who lived during her later years in Brittany on the
pension she received as widow of a lieutenant-general.

Ramel
How is it that your father, who had command of the Royal Guard, a most
brilliant position, died without leaving you anything, not even a
patron?

Ferdinand
Had he never betrayed his friends, and changed sides, without any
reason--

Ramel
Come, come, we won't talk any more about that.

Ferdinand
My father was a gambler--that was the reason why he was so indulgent
to me. But may I ask what has brought you here?

Ramel
A fortnight ago I was appointed king's attorney at Louviers.

Ferdinand
I heard something about it. But the appointment was published under
another name.

Ramel