During one third of a century they did not save fifty thousand francs.
It should be mentioned that, from the very first years of their married life, they had a numerous family, which in the long run became a heavy burden to them.

In the course of five years, from 1811 to 1815, Felicite gave birth to three boys.

Then during the four ensuing years she presented her husband with two girls.

These had but an indifferent welcome; daughters are a terrible embarrassment when one has no dowry to give them.
However, the young woman did not regard this troop of children as the cause of their ruin.

On the contrary, she based on her sons' heads the building of the fortune which was crumbling in her own hands.