"A fortnight after your departure, my luck turned. Bad luck pursued me, as it had never done before. According to my principles, I waited, hoping for a better chance; but my frightful ill-luck continued for six months. I changed my locale, to turn my luck, but all in vain. The best-established maturities, the most wonderful chances, all became, for me, elements of ruin.
"At my wits' end, as well as at the end of my resources, I sold in succession, jewels, linen, and clothes, by the proceeds of which I hoped to save myself from ruin; but in vain.
"I played with caution, and studied in despair, all the chances for and against me. I made nothing but unlucky hits, and was soon reduced to utter poverty.
"Ever since then, I have led the most extraordinary existence in the world. Too proud to beg, I endured with resignation the most cruel privations. I cannot tell how it was, that I did not die of hunger.
"You may well believe that I did not wish to be recognised, in such a pitiable position. I, the lucky gambler 'Voisin Raymond,' whom all admired for his talent and good luck.
"I could not bear the pity of my former admirers.
"I shaved off my beard, the type in some measure of my greatness, and thus transformed, I lived unknown, waiting for better days."
Proud, as M. Raymond seemed to be, I did not think he would refuse a little assistance; but fearing to wound his susceptibility, I contrived to slip a napoleon into his hand, while giving it a parting shake.
"I accept what you offer me, but only as a loan," said he, "remember that:—Thanks, 'au revoir!'"
On this, "Mon Voisin" quitted me, with much precipitation.