His own fortune was spent in helping needy students at the University , and poor professors . This displeased his father , and he refused supplies , except enough for his simple personal wants . Sigismund chafed at this , and being skilful at all games , as a gentleman may be in the way of amusement , he resolved to play with those whose money was wasted on frivolities , and give his winnings to his band of paupers . '' `` How did it succeed , this odd fancy ? '' asked Helen , with an interested face , while Amy pinched her arm at the word `` Sigismund . '' `` Excellently . My friend won often , and as his purpose became known it caused no unkind feeling , this unusual success , for fortune seemed to favor his kind object . '' `` Wrong , nevertheless , to do evil that good may come of it , '' said the major , morally . `` It may be so : but it is not for me to censure my benefactor . He has done much for my countrymen and myself , and is so truly noble I can see no fault in him . '' `` What an odd name ! Sigismund is German , is it not ? '' asked Amy , in the most artless tone of interest . `` Yes , mademoiselle , and Palsdorf is a true German ; much courage , strength and intellect , with the gayety and simplicity of a boy . He hates slavery of all kinds , and will be free at all costs . He is a good son , but his father is tyrannical , and asks too much . Sigismund will not submit to sell himself , and so is in disgrace for a time . '' `` Palsdorf ! -- was not that the name of the count or baron we heard them talking of at Coblentz ? '' said Helen to Amy , with a well-feigned air of uncertainty .
`` Yes ; I XXXXX something of a duel and a broken betrothal , I think .
asked come heard pinched refused said see talking wants won