Sprung from the dregs of the populace, he had, nevertheless, the grace and vivacity so often found impartially amongst every class in France.

He had contrived to enrich himself--none knew how--in the course of his rapid career.

He became, indeed, ultimately one of the wealthiest proprietors of Paris, and at that time kept a splendid and hospitable mansion.

He was one of those whom, from various reasons, Robespierre deigned to favour; and he had often saved the proscribed and suspected, by procuring them passports under disguised names, and advising their method of escape.

But C-- was a man who took this trouble only for the rich.