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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:17:06 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:17:06 -0700 |
| commit | f6b38c346ef4a56708b1bfb9d937b6b4ae0de4e6 (patch) | |
| tree | cd6d199c160613107ef899a7c81304f2e9592eab /1411-h/1411-h.htm | |
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diff --git a/1411-h/1411-h.htm b/1411-h/1411-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9e2a9a2 --- /dev/null +++ b/1411-h/1411-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1850 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Domestic Peace, by Honore de Balzac + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1411 ***</div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + DOMESTIC PEACE + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Honore De Balzac + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated By Ellen Marriage and Clara Bell + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Dedicated to my dear niece Valentine Surville. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>DOMESTIC PEACE</b> </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0002"> ADDENDUM </a> + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h1> + DOMESTIC PEACE + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The incident recorded in this sketch took place towards the end of the + month of November, 1809, the moment when Napoleon’s fugitive empire + attained the apogee of its splendor. The trumpet-blasts of Wagram were + still sounding an echo in the heart of the Austrian monarchy. Peace was + being signed between France and the Coalition. Kings and princes came to + perform their orbits, like stars, round Napoleon, who gave himself the + pleasure of dragging all Europe in his train—a magnificent + experiment in the power he afterwards displayed at Dresden. Never, as + contemporaries tell us, did Paris see entertainments more superb than + those which preceded and followed the sovereign’s marriage with an + Austrian archduchess. Never, in the most splendid days of the Monarchy, + had so many crowned heads thronged the shores of the Seine, never had the + French aristocracy been so rich or so splendid. The diamonds lavishly + scattered over the women’s dresses, and the gold and silver embroidery on + the uniforms contrasted so strongly with the penury of the Republic, that + the wealth of the globe seemed to be rolling through the drawing-rooms of + Paris. Intoxication seemed to have turned the brains of this Empire of a + day. All the military, not excepting their chief, reveled like parvenus in + the treasure conquered for them by a million men with worsted epaulettes, + whose demands were satisfied by a few yards of red ribbon. + </p> + <p> + At this time most women affected that lightness of conduct and facility of + morals which distinguished the reign of Louis XV. Whether it were in + imitation of the tone of the fallen monarchy, or because certain members + of the Imperial family had set the example—as certain malcontents of + the Faubourg Saint-Germain chose to say—it is certain that men and + women alike flung themselves into a life of pleasure with an intrepidity + which seemed to forbode the end of the world. But there was at that time + another cause for such license. The infatuation of women for the military + became a frenzy, and was too consonant to the Emperor’s views for him to + try to check it. The frequent calls to arms, which gave every treaty + concluded between Napoleon and the rest of Europe the character of an + armistice, left every passion open to a termination as sudden as the + decisions of the Commander-in-chief of all these busbys, pelisses, and + aiguillettes, which so fascinated the fair sex. Hearts were as nomadic as + the regiments. Between the first and fifth bulletins from the <i>Grand + Armee</i> a woman might be in succession mistress, wife, mother, and + widow. + </p> + <p> + Was it the prospect of early widowhood, the hope of a jointure, or that of + bearing a name promised to history, which made the soldiers so attractive? + Were women drawn to them by the certainty that the secret of their + passions would be buried on the field of battle? or may we find the reason + of this gentle fanaticism in the noble charm that courage has for a woman? + Perhaps all these reasons, which the future historian of the manners of + the Empire will no doubt amuse himself by weighing, counted for something + in their facile readiness to abandon themselves to love intrigues. Be that + as it may, it must here be confessed that at that time laurels hid many + errors, women showed an ardent preference for the brave adventurers, whom + they regarded as the true fount of honor, wealth, or pleasure; and in the + eyes of young girls, an epaulette—the hieroglyphic of a future—signified + happiness and liberty. + </p> + <p> + One feature, and a characteristic one, of this unique period in our + history was an unbridled mania for everything glittering. Never were + fireworks so much in vogue, never were diamonds so highly prized. The men, + as greedy as the women of these translucent pebbles, displayed them no + less lavishly. Possibly the necessity for carrying plunder in the most + portable form made gems the fashion in the army. A man was not ridiculous + then, as he would be now, if his shirt-frill or his fingers blazed with + large diamonds. Murat, an Oriental by nature, set the example of + preposterous luxury to modern soldiers. + </p> + <p> + The Comte de Gondreville, formerly known as Citizen Malin, whose elevation + had made him famous, having become a Lucullus of the Conservative Senate, + which “conserved” nothing, had postponed an entertainment in honor of the + peace only that he might the better pay his court to Napoleon by his + efforts to eclipse those flatterers who had been before-hand with him. The + ambassadors from all the Powers friendly with France, with an eye to + favors to come, the most important personages of the Empire, and even a + few princes, were at this hour assembled in the wealthy senator’s + drawing-rooms. Dancing flagged; every one was watching for the Emperor, + whose presence the Count had promised his guests. And Napoleon would have + kept his word but for the scene which had broken out that very evening + between him and Josephine—the scene which portended the impending + divorce of the august pair. The report of this incident, at the time kept + very secret, but recorded by history, did not reach the ears of the + courtiers, and had no effect on the gaiety of Comte de Gondreville’s party + beyond keeping Napoleon away. + </p> + <p> + The prettiest women in Paris, eager to be at the Count’s on the strength + of mere hearsay, at this moment were a besieging force of luxury, + coquettishness, elegance, and beauty. The financial world, proud of its + riches, challenged the splendor of the generals and high officials of the + Empire, so recently gorged with orders, titles, and honors. These grand + balls were always an opportunity seized upon by wealthy families for + introducing their heiresses to Napoleon’s Praetorian Guard, in the foolish + hope of exchanging their splendid fortunes for uncertain favors. The women + who believed themselves strong enough in their beauty alone came to test + their power. There, as elsewhere, amusement was but a blind. Calm and + smiling faces and placid brows covered sordid interests, expressions of + friendship were a lie, and more than one man was less distrustful of his + enemies than of his friends. + </p> + <p> + These remarks are necessary to explain the incidents of the little + imbroglio which is the subject of this study, and the picture, softened as + it is, of the tone then dominant in Paris drawing-rooms. + </p> + <p> + “Turn your eyes a little towards the pedestal supporting that candelabrum—do + you see a young lady with her hair drawn back <i>a la Chinoise</i>!—There, + in the corner to the left; she has bluebells in the knot of chestnut curls + which fall in clusters on her head. Do not you see her? She is so pale you + might fancy she was ill, delicate-looking, and very small; there—now + she is turning her head this way; her almond-shaped blue eyes, so + delightfully soft, look as if they were made expressly for tears. Look, + look! She is bending forward to see Madame de Vaudremont below the crowd + of heads in constant motion; the high head-dresses prevent her having a + clear view.” + </p> + <p> + “I see her now, my dear fellow. You had only to say that she had the + whitest skin of all the women here; I should have known whom you meant. I + had noticed her before; she has the loveliest complexion I ever admired. + From hence I defy you to see against her throat the pearls between the + sapphires of her necklace. But she is a prude or a coquette, for the + tucker of her bodice scarcely lets one suspect the beauty of her bust. + What shoulders! what lily-whiteness!” + </p> + <p> + “Who is she?” asked the first speaker. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that I do not know.” + </p> + <p> + “Aristocrat!—Do you want to keep them all to yourself, Montcornet?” + </p> + <p> + “You of all men to banter me!” replied Montcornet, with a smile. “Do you + think you have a right to insult a poor general like me because, being a + happy rival of Soulanges, you cannot even turn on your heel without + alarming Madame de Vaudremont? Or is it because I came only a month ago + into the Promised Land? How insolent you can be, you men in office, who + sit glued to your chairs while we are dodging shot and shell! Come, + Monsieur le Maitre des Requetes, allow us to glean in the field of which + you can only have precarious possession from the moment when we evacuate + it. The deuce is in it! We have a right to live! My good friend, if you + knew the German women, you would, I believe, do me a good turn with the + Parisian you love best.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, General, since you have vouchsafed to turn your attention to that + lady, whom I never saw till now, have the charity to tell me if you have + seen her dance.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, my dear Martial, where have you dropped from? If you are ever sent + with an embassy, I have small hopes of your success. Do not you see a + triple rank of the most undaunted coquettes of Paris between her and the + swarm of dancing men that buzz under the chandelier? And was it not only + by the help of your eyeglass that you were able to discover her at all in + the corner by that pillar, where she seems buried in the gloom, in spite + of the candles blazing above her head? Between her and us there is such a + sparkle of diamonds and glances, so many floating plumes, such a flutter + of lace, of flowers and curls, that it would be a real miracle if any + dancer could detect her among those stars. Why, Martial, how is it that + you have not understood her to be the wife of some sous-prefet from Lippe + or Dyle, who has come to try to get her husband promoted?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he will be!” exclaimed the Master of Appeals quickly. + </p> + <p> + “I doubt it,” replied the Colonel of Cuirassiers, laughing. “She seems as + raw in intrigue as you are in diplomacy. I dare bet, Martial, that you do + not know how she got into that place.” + </p> + <p> + The lawyer looked at the Colonel of Cuirassiers with an expression as much + of contempt as of curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” proceeded Montcornet, “she arrived, I have no doubt, punctually at + nine, the first of the company perhaps, and probably she greatly + embarrassed the Comtesse de Gondreville, who cannot put two ideas + together. Repulsed by the mistress of the house, routed from chair to + chair by each newcomer, and driven into the darkness of this little + corner, she allowed herself to be walled in, the victim of the jealousy of + the other ladies, who would gladly have buried that dangerous beauty. She + had, of course, no friend to encourage her to maintain the place she first + held in the front rank; then each of those treacherous fair ones would + have enjoined on the men of her circle on no account to take out our poor + friend, under pain of the severest punishment. That, my dear fellow, is + the way in which those sweet faces, in appearance so tender and so + artless, would have formed a coalition against the stranger, and that + without a word beyond the question, ‘Tell me, dear, do you know that + little woman in blue?’—Look here, Martial, if you care to run the + gauntlet of more flattering glances and inviting questions than you will + ever again meet in the whole of your life, just try to get through the + triple rampart which defends that Queen of Dyle, or Lippe, or Charente. + You will see whether the dullest woman of them all will not be equal to + inventing some wile that would hinder the most determined man from + bringing the plaintive stranger to the light. Does it not strike you that + she looks like an elegy?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think so, Montcornet? Then she must be a married woman?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not a widow?” + </p> + <p> + “She would be less passive,” said the lawyer, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “She is perhaps the widow of a man who is gambling,” replied the handsome + Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “To be sure; since the peace there are so many widows of that class!” said + Martial. “But my dear Montcornet, we are a couple of simpletons. That face + is still too ingenuous, there is too much youth and freshness on the brow + and temples for her to be married. What splendid flesh-tints! Nothing has + sunk in the modeling of the nose. Lips, chin, everything in her face is as + fresh as a white rosebud, though the expression is veiled, as it were, by + the clouds of sadness. Who can it be that makes that young creature weep?” + </p> + <p> + “Women cry for so little,” said the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” replied Martial; “but she does not cry because she is + left there without a partner; her grief is not of to-day. It is evident + that she has beautified herself for this evening with intention. I would + wager that she is in love already.” + </p> + <p> + “Bah! She is perhaps the daughter of some German princeling; no one talks + to her,” said Montcornet. + </p> + <p> + “Dear! how unhappy a poor child may be!” Martial went on. “Can there be + anything more graceful and refined than our little stranger? Well, not one + of those furies who stand round her, and who believe that they can feel, + will say a word to her. If she would but speak, we should see if she has + fine teeth. + </p> + <p> + “Bless me, you boil over like milk at the least increase of temperature!” + cried the Colonel, a little nettled at so soon finding a rival in his + friend. + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed the lawyer, without heeding the Colonel’s question. “Can + nobody here tell us the name of this exotic flower?” + </p> + <p> + “Some lady companion!” said Montcornet. + </p> + <p> + “What next? A companion! wearing sapphires fit for a queen, and a dress of + Malines lace? Tell that to the marines, General. You, too, would not shine + in diplomacy if, in the course of your conjectures, you jump in a breath + from a German princess to a lady companion.” + </p> + <p> + Montcornet stopped a man by taking his arm—a fat little man, whose + iron-gray hair and clever eyes were to be seen at the lintel of every + doorway, and who mingled unceremoniously with the various groups which + welcomed him respectfully. + </p> + <p> + “Gondreville, my friend,” said Montcornet, “who is that quite charming + little woman sitting out there under that huge candelabrum?” + </p> + <p> + “The candelabrum? Ravrio’s work; Isabey made the design.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I recognized your lavishness and taste; but the lady?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I do not know. Some friend of my wife’s, no doubt.” + </p> + <p> + “Or your mistress, you old rascal.” + </p> + <p> + “No, on my honor. The Comtesse de Gondreville is the only person capable + of inviting people whom no one knows.” + </p> + <p> + In spite of this very acrimonious comment, the fat little man’s lips did + not lose the smile which the Colonel’s suggestion had brought to them. + Montcornet returned to the lawyer, who had rejoined a neighboring group, + intent on asking, but in vain, for information as to the fair unknown. He + grasped Martial’s arm, and said in his ear: + </p> + <p> + “My dear Martial, mind what you are about. Madame de Vaudremont has been + watching you for some minutes with ominous attentiveness; she is a woman + who can guess by the mere movement of your lips what you say to me; our + eyes have already told her too much; she has perceived and followed their + direction, and I suspect that at this moment she is thinking even more + than we are of the little blue lady.” + </p> + <p> + “That is too old a trick in warfare, my dear Montcornet! However, what do + I care? Like the Emperor, when I have made a conquest, I keep it.” + </p> + <p> + “Martial, your fatuity cries out for a lesson. What! you, a civilian, and + so lucky as to be the husband-designate of Madame de Vaudremont, a widow + of two-and-twenty, burdened with four thousand napoleons a year—a + woman who slips such a diamond as this on your finger,” he added, taking + the lawyer’s left hand, which the young man complacently allowed; “and, to + crown all, you affect the Lovelace, just as if you were a colonel and + obliged to keep up the reputation of the military in home quarters! Fie, + fie! Only think of all you may lose.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, I shall not lose my liberty,” replied Martial, with a forced + laugh. + </p> + <p> + He cast a passionate glance at Madame de Vaudremont, who responded only by + a smile of some uneasiness, for she had seen the Colonel examining the + lawyer’s ring. + </p> + <p> + “Listen to me, Martial. If you flutter round my young stranger, I shall + set to work to win Madame de Vaudremont.” + </p> + <p> + “You have my full permission, my dear Cuirassier, but you will not gain + this much,” and the young Maitre des Requetes put his polished thumb-nail + under an upper tooth with a little mocking click. + </p> + <p> + “Remember that I am unmarried,” said the Colonel; “that my sword is my + whole fortune; and that such a challenge is setting Tantalus down to a + banquet which he will devour.” + </p> + <p> + “Prrr.” + </p> + <p> + This defiant roll of consonants was the only reply to the Colonel’s + declaration, as Martial looked him from head to foot before turning away. + </p> + <p> + The fashion of the time required men to wear at a ball white kerseymere + breeches and silk stockings. This pretty costume showed to great advantage + the perfection of Montcornet’s fine shape. He was five-and-thirty, and + attracted attention by his stalwart height, insisted on for the + Cuirassiers of the Imperial Guard whose handsome uniform enhanced the + dignity of his figure, still youthful in spite of the stoutness occasioned + by living on horseback. A black moustache emphasized the frank expression + of a thoroughly soldierly countenance, with a broad, high forehead, an + aquiline nose, and bright red lips. Montcornet’s manner, stamped with a + certain superiority due to the habit of command, might please a woman + sensible enough not to aim at making a slave of her husband. The Colonel + smiled as he looked at the lawyer, one of his favorite college friends, + whose small figure made it necessary for Montcornet to look down a little + as he answered his raillery with a friendly glance. + </p> + <p> + Baron Martial de la Roche-Hugon was a young Provencal patronized by + Napoleon; his fate might probably be some splendid embassy. He had won the + Emperor by his Italian suppleness and a genius for intrigue, a + drawing-room eloquence, and a knowledge of manners, which are so good a + substitute for the higher qualities of a sterling man. Through young and + eager, his face had already acquired the rigid brilliancy of tinned iron, + one of the indispensable characteristics of diplomatists, which allows + them to conceal their emotions and disguise their feelings, unless, + indeed, this impassibility indicates an absence of all emotion and the + death of every feeling. The heart of a diplomate may be regarded as an + insoluble problem, for the three most illustrious ambassadors of the time + have been distinguished by perdurable hatreds and most romantic + attachments. + </p> + <p> + Martial, however, was one of those men who are capable of reckoning on the + future in the midst of their intensest enjoyment; he had already learned + to judge the world, and hid his ambition under the fatuity of a + lady-killer, cloaking his talent under the commonplace of mediocrity as + soon as he observed the rapid advancement of those men who gave the master + little umbrage. + </p> + <p> + The two friends now had to part with a cordial grasp of hands. The + introductory tune, warning the ladies to form in squares for a fresh + quadrille, cleared the men away from the space they had filled while + talking in the middle of the large room. This hurried dialogue had taken + place during the usual interval between two dances, in front of the + fireplace of the great drawing-room of Gondreville’s mansion. The + questions and answers of this very ordinary ballroom gossip had been + almost whispered by each of the speakers into his neighbor’s ear. At the + same time, the chandeliers and the flambeaux on the chimney-shelf shed + such a flood of light on the two friends that their faces, strongly + illuminated, failed, in spite of their diplomatic discretion, to conceal + the faint expression of their feelings either from the keen-sighted + countess or the artless stranger. This espionage of people’s thoughts is + perhaps to idle persons one of the pleasures they find in society, while + numbers of disappointed numskulls are bored there without daring to own + it. + </p> + <p> + Fully to appreciate the interest of this conversation, it is necessary to + relate an incident which would presently serve as an invisible bond, + drawing together the actors in this little drama, who were at present + scattered through the rooms. + </p> + <p> + At about eleven o’clock, just as the dancers were returning to their + seats, the company had observed the entrance of the handsomest woman in + Paris, the queen of fashion, the only person wanting to the brilliant + assembly. She made it a rule never to appear till the moment when a party + had reached that pitch of excited movement which does not allow the women + to preserve much longer the freshness of their faces or of their dress. + This brief hour is, as it were, the springtime of a ball. An hour after, + when pleasure falls flat and fatigue is encroaching, everything is spoilt. + Madame de Vaudremont never committed the blunder of remaining at a party + to be seen with drooping flowers, hair out of curl, tumbled frills, and a + face like every other that sleep is courting—not always without + success. She took good care not to let her beauty be seen drowsy, as her + rivals did; she was so clever as to keep up her reputation for smartness + by always leaving a ballroom in brilliant order, as she had entered it. + Women whispered to each other with a feeling of envy that she planned and + wore as many different dresses as the parties she went to in one evening. + </p> + <p> + On the present occasion Madame de Vaudremont was not destined to be free + to leave when she would the ballroom she had entered in triumph. Pausing + for a moment on the threshold, she shot swift but observant glances on the + women present, hastily scrutinizing their dresses to assure herself that + her own eclipsed them all. + </p> + <p> + The illustrious beauty presented herself to the admiration of the crowd at + the same moment with one of the bravest colonels of the Guards’ Artillery + and the Emperor’s favorite, the Comte de Soulanges. The transient and + fortuitous association of these two had about it a certain air of mystery. + On hearing the names announced of Monsieur de Soulanges and the Comtesse + de Vaudremont, a few women sitting by the wall rose, and men, hurrying in + from the side-rooms, pressed forward to the principal doorway. One of the + jesters who are always to be found in any large assembly said, as the + Countess and her escort came in, that “women had quite as much curiosity + about seeing a man who was faithful to his passion as men had in studying + a woman who was difficult to enthrall.” + </p> + <p> + Though the Comte de Soulanges, a young man of about two-and-thirty, was + endowed with the nervous temperament which in a man gives rise to fine + qualities, his slender build and pale complexion were not at first sight + attractive; his black eyes betrayed great vivacity, but he was taciturn in + company, and there was nothing in his appearance to reveal the gift for + oratory which subsequently distinguished him, on the Right, in the + legislative assembly under the Restoration. + </p> + <p> + The Comtesse de Vaudremont, a tall woman, rather fat, with a skin of + dazzling whiteness, a small head that she carried well, and the immense + advantage of inspiring love by the graciousness of her manner, was one of + those beings who keep all the promise of their beauty. + </p> + <p> + The pair, who for a few minutes were the centre of general observation, + did not for long give curiosity an opportunity of exercising itself about + them. The Colonel and the Countess seemed perfectly to understand that + accident had placed them in an awkward position. Martial, as they came + forward, had hastened to join the group of men by the fireplace, that he + might watch Madame de Vaudremont with the jealous anxiety of the first + flame of passion, from behind the heads which formed a sort of rampart; a + secret voice seemed to warn him that the success on which he prided + himself might perhaps be precarious. But the coldly polite smile with + which the Countess thanked Monsieur de Soulanges, and her little bow of + dismissal as she sat down by Madame de Gondreville, relaxed the muscles of + his face which jealousy had made rigid. Seeing Soulanges, however, still + standing quite near the sofa on which Madame de Vaudremont was seated, not + apparently having understood the glance by which the lady had conveyed to + him that they were both playing a ridiculous part, the volcanic Provencal + again knit the black brows that overshadowed his blue eyes, smoothed his + chestnut curls to keep himself in countenance, and without betraying the + agitation which made his heart beat, watched the faces of the Countess and + of M. de Soulanges while still chatting with his neighbors. He then took + the hand of Colonel Montcornet, who had just renewed their old + acquaintance, but he listened to him without hearing him; his mind was + elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + Soulanges was gazing calmly at the women, sitting four ranks deep all + round the immense ballroom, admiring this dado of diamonds, rubies, masses + of gold and shining hair, of which the lustre almost outshone the blaze of + waxlights, the cutglass of the chandeliers, and the gilding. His rival’s + stolid indifference put the lawyer out of countenance. Quite incapable of + controlling his secret transports of impatience, Martial went towards + Madame de Vaudremont with a bow. On seeing the Provencal, Soulanges gave + him a covert glance, and impertinently turned away his head. Solemn + silence now reigned in the room, where curiosity was at the highest pitch. + All these eager faces wore the strangest mixed expressions; every one + apprehended one of those outbreaks which men of breeding carefully avoid. + Suddenly the Count’s pale face turned as red as the scarlet facings of his + coat, and he fixed his gaze on the floor that the cause of his agitation + might not be guessed. On catching sight of the unknown lady humbly seated + by the pedestal of the candelabrum, he moved away with a melancholy air, + passing in front of the lawyer, and took refuge in one of the cardrooms. + Martial and all the company thought that Soulanges had publicly + surrendered the post, out of fear of the ridicule which invariably + attaches to a discarded lover. The lawyer proudly raised his head and + looked at the strange lady; then, as he took his seat at his ease near + Madame de Vaudremont, he listened to her so inattentively that he did not + catch these words spoken behind her fan: + </p> + <p> + “Martial, you will oblige me this evening by not wearing that ring that + you snatched from me. I have my reasons, and will explain them to you in a + moment when we go away. You must give me your arm to go to the Princess de + Wagram’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you come in with the Colonel?” asked the Baron. + </p> + <p> + “I met him in the hall,” she replied. “But leave me now; everybody is + looking at us.” + </p> + <p> + Martial returned to the Colonel of Cuirassiers. Then it was that the + little blue lady had become the object of the curiosity which agitated in + such various ways the Colonel, Soulanges, Martial, and Madame de + Vaudremont. + </p> + <p> + When the friends parted, after the challenge which closed their + conversation, the Baron flew to Madame de Vaudremont, and led her to a + place in the most brilliant quadrille. Favored by the sort of intoxication + which dancing always produces in a woman, and by the turmoil of a ball, + where men appear in all the trickery of dress, which adds no less to their + attractions than it does to those of women, Martial thought he might yield + with impunity to the charm that attracted his gaze to the fair stranger. + Though he succeeded in hiding his first glances towards the lady in blue + from the anxious activity of the Countess’ eyes, he was ere long caught in + the fact; and though he managed to excuse himself once for his absence of + mind, he could not justify the unseemly silence with which he presently + heard the most insinuating question which a woman can put to a man: + </p> + <p> + “Do you like me very much this evening?” + </p> + <p> + And the more dreamy he became, the more the Countess pressed and teased + him. + </p> + <p> + While Martial was dancing, the Colonel moved from group to group, seeking + information about the unknown lady. After exhausting the good-humor even + of the most indifferent, he had resolved to take advantage of a moment + when the Comtesse de Gondreville seemed to be at liberty, to ask her the + name of the mysterious lady, when he perceived a little space left clear + between the pedestal of the candelabrum and the two sofas, which ended in + that corner. The dance had left several of the chairs vacant, which formed + rows of fortifications held by mothers or women of middle age; and the + Colonel seized the opportunity to make his way through this palisade hung + with shawls and wraps. He began by making himself agreeable to the + dowagers, and so from one to another, and from compliment to compliment, + he at last reached the empty space next the stranger. At the risk of + catching on to the gryphons and chimaeras of the huge candelabrum, he + stood there, braving the glare and dropping of the wax candles, to + Martial’s extreme annoyance. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel, far too tactful to speak suddenly to the little blue lady on + his right, began by saying to a plain woman who was seated on the left: + </p> + <p> + “This is a splendid ball, madame! What luxury! What life! On my word, + every woman here is pretty! You are not dancing—because you do not + care for it, no doubt.” + </p> + <p> + This vapid conversation was solely intended to induce his right-hand + neighbor to speak; but she, silent and absent-minded, paid not the least + attention. The officer had in store a number of phrases which he intended + should lead up to: “And you, madame?”—a question from which he hoped + great things. But he was strangely surprised to see tears in the strange + lady’s eyes, which seemed wholly absorbed in gazing on Madame de + Vaudremont. + </p> + <p> + “You are married, no doubt, madame?” he asked her at length, in hesitating + tones. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, monsieur,” replied the lady. + </p> + <p> + “And your husband is here, of course?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, monsieur.” + </p> + <p> + “And why, madame, do you remain in this spot? Is it to attract attention?” + </p> + <p> + The mournful lady smiled sadly. + </p> + <p> + “Allow me the honor, madame, of being your partner in the next quadrille, + and I will take care not to bring you back here. I see a vacant settee + near the fire; come and take it. When so many people are ready to ascend + the throne, and Royalty is the mania of the day, I cannot imagine that you + will refuse the title of Queen of the Ball which your beauty may claim.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not intend to dance, monsieur.” + </p> + <p> + The curt tone of the lady’s replies was so discouraging that the Colonel + found himself compelled to raise the siege. Martial, who guessed what the + officer’s last request had been, and the refusal he had met with, began to + smile, and stroked his chin, making the diamond sparkle which he wore on + his finger. + </p> + <p> + “What are you laughing at?” said the Comtesse de Vaudremont. + </p> + <p> + “At the failure of the poor Colonel, who has just put his foot in it——” + </p> + <p> + “I begged you to take your ring off,” said the Countess, interrupting him. + </p> + <p> + “I did not hear you.” + </p> + <p> + “If you can hear nothing this evening, at any rate you see everything, + Monsieur le Baron,” said Madame de Vaudremont, with an air of vexation. + </p> + <p> + “That young man is displaying a very fine diamond,” the stranger remarked + to the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “Splendid,” he replied. “The man is the Baron Martial de la Roche-Hugon, + one of my most intimate friends.” + </p> + <p> + “I have to thank you for telling me his name,” she went on; “he seems an + agreeable man.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but he is rather fickle.” + </p> + <p> + “He seems to be on the best terms with the Comtesse de Vaudremont?” said + the lady, with an inquiring look at the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “On the very best.” + </p> + <p> + The unknown turned pale. + </p> + <p> + “Hallo!” thought the soldier, “she is in love with that lucky devil + Martial.” + </p> + <p> + “I fancied that Madame de Vaudremont had long been devoted to M. de + Soulanges,” said the lady, recovering a little from the suppressed grief + which had clouded the fairness of her face. + </p> + <p> + “For a week past the Countess has been faithless,” replied the Colonel. + “But you must have seen poor Soulanges when he came in; he is till trying + to disbelieve in his disaster.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I saw him,” said the lady. Then she added, “Thank you very much, + monsieur,” in a tone which signified a dismissal. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the quadrille was coming to an end. Montcornet had only + time to withdraw, saying to himself by way of consolation, “She is + married.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, valiant Cuirassier,” exclaimed the Baron, drawing the Colonel aside + into a window-bay to breathe the fresh air from the garden, “how are you + getting on?” + </p> + <p> + “She is a married woman, my dear fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “What does that matter?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, deuce take it! I am a decent sort of man,” replied the Colonel. “I + have no idea of paying my addresses to a woman I cannot marry. Besides, + Martial, she expressly told me that she did not intend to dance.” + </p> + <p> + “Colonel, I will bet a hundred napoleons to your gray horse that she will + dance with me this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Done!” said the Colonel, putting his hand in the coxcomb’s. “Meanwhile I + am going to look for Soulanges; he perhaps knows the lady, as she seems + interested in him.” + </p> + <p> + “You have lost, my good fellow,” cried Martial, laughing. “My eyes have + met hers, and I know what they mean. My dear friend, you owe me no grudge + for dancing with her after she has refused you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no. Those who laugh last, laugh longest. But I am an honest gambler + and a generous enemy, Martial, and I warn you, she is fond of diamonds.” + </p> + <p> + With these words the friends parted; General Montcornet made his way to + the cardroom, where he saw the Comte de Soulanges sitting at a <i>bouillotte</i> + table. Though there was no friendship between the two soldiers, beyond the + superficial comradeship arising from the perils of war and the duties of + the service, the Colonel of Cuirassiers was painfully struck by seeing the + Colonel of Artillery, whom he knew to be a prudent man, playing at a game + which might bring him to ruin. The heaps of gold and notes piled on the + fateful cards showed the frenzy of play. A circle of silent men stood + round the players at the table. Now and then a few words were spoken—<i>pass, + play, I stop, a thousand Louis, taken</i>—but, looking at the five + motionless men, it seemed as though they talked only with their eyes. As + the Colonel, alarmed by Soulanges’ pallor, went up to him, the Count was + winning. Field-Marshal the Duc d’Isemberg, Keller, and a famous banker + rose from the table completely cleaned out of considerable sums. Soulanges + looked gloomier than ever as he swept up a quantity of gold and notes; he + did not even count it; his lips curled with bitter scorn, he seemed to + defy fortune rather than be grateful for her favors. + </p> + <p> + “Courage,” said the Colonel. “Courage, Soulanges!” Then, believing he + would do him a service by dragging him from play, he added: “Come with me. + I have some good news for you, but on one condition.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” asked Soulanges. + </p> + <p> + “That you will answer a question I will ask you.” + </p> + <p> + The Comte de Soulanges rose abruptly, placing his winnings with reckless + indifference in his handkerchief, which he had been twisting with + convulsive nervousness, and his expression was so savage that none of the + players took exception to his walking off with their money. Indeed, every + face seemed to dilate with relief when his morose and crabbed countenance + was no longer to be seen under the circle of light which a shaded lamp + casts on a gaming-table. + </p> + <p> + “Those fiends of soldiers are always as thick as thieves at a fair!” said + a diplomate who had been looking on, as he took Soulanges’ place. One + single pallid and fatigued face turned to the newcomer, and said with a + glance that flashed and died out like the sparkle of a diamond: “When we + say military men, we do not mean civil, Monsieur le Ministre.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow,” said Montcornet to Soulanges, leading him into a corner, + “the Emperor spoke warmly in your praise this morning, and your promotion + to be field-marshal is a certainty.” + </p> + <p> + “The Master does not love the Artillery.” + </p> + <p> + “No, but he adores the nobility, and you are an aristocrat. The Master + said,” added Montcornet, “that the men who had married in Paris during the + campaign were not therefore to be considered in disgrace. Well then?” + </p> + <p> + The Comte de Soulanges looked as if he understood nothing of this speech. + </p> + <p> + “And now I hope,” the Colonel went on, “that you will tell me if you know + a charming little woman who is sitting under a huge candelabrum——” + </p> + <p> + At these words the Count’s face lighted up; he violently seized the + Colonel’s hand: “My dear General,” said he, in a perceptibly altered + voice, “if any man but you had asked me such a question, I would have + cracked his skull with this mass of gold. Leave me, I entreat you. I feel + more like blowing out my brains this evening, I assure you, than——I + hate everything I see. And, in fact, I am going. This gaiety, this music, + these stupid faces, all laughing, are killing me!” + </p> + <p> + “My poor friend!” replied Montcornet gently, and giving the Count’s hand a + friendly pressure, “you are too vehement. What would you say if I told you + that Martial is thinking so little of Madame de Vaudremont that he is + quite smitten with that little lady?” + </p> + <p> + “If he says a word to her,” cried Soulanges, stammering with rage, “I will + thrash him as flat as his own portfolio, even if the coxcomb were in the + Emperor’s lap!” + </p> + <p> + And he sank quite overcome on an easy-chair to which Montcornet had led + him. The colonel slowly went away, for he perceived that Soulanges was in + a state of fury far too violent for the pleasantries or the attentions of + superficial friendship to soothe him. + </p> + <p> + When Montcornet returned to the ballroom, Madame de Vaudremont was the + first person on whom his eyes fell, and he observed on her face, usually + so calm, some symptoms of ill-disguised agitation. A chair was vacant near + hers, and the Colonel seated himself. + </p> + <p> + “I dare wager something has vexed you?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “A mere trifle, General. I want to be gone, for I have promised to go to a + ball at the Grand Duchess of Berg’s, and I must look in first at the + Princesse de Wagram’s. Monsieur de la Roche-Hugon, who knows this, is + amusing himself by flirting with the dowagers.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not the whole secret of your disturbance, and I will bet a + hundred louis that you will remain here the whole evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Impertinent man!” + </p> + <p> + “Then I have hit the truth?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, tell me, what am I thinking of?” said the Countess, tapping the + Colonel’s fingers with her fan. “I might even reward you if you guess + rightly.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not accept the challenge; I have too much the advantage of you.” + </p> + <p> + “You are presumptuous.” + </p> + <p> + “You are afraid of seeing Martial at the feet——” + </p> + <p> + “Of whom?” cried the Countess, affecting surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Of that candelabrum,” replied the Colonel, glancing at the fair stranger, + and then looking at the Countess with embarrassing scrutiny. + </p> + <p> + “You have guessed it,” replied the coquette, hiding her face behind her + fan, which she began to play with. “Old Madame de Lansac, who is, you + know, as malicious as an old monkey,” she went on, after a pause, “has + just told me that Monsieur de la Roche-Hugon is running into danger by + flirting with that stranger, who sits here this evening like a skeleton at + a feast. I would rather see a death’s head than that face, so cruelly + beautiful, and as pale as a ghost. She is my evil genius.—Madame de + Lansac,” she added, after a flash and gesture of annoyance, “who only goes + to a ball to watch everything while pretending to sleep, has made me + miserably anxious. Martial shall pay dearly for playing me such a trick. + Urge him, meanwhile, since he is your friend, not to make me so unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + “I have just been with a man who promises to blow his brains out, and + nothing less, if he speaks to that little lady. And he is a man, madame, + to keep his word. But then I know Martial; such threats are to him an + encouragement. And, besides, we have wagered——” Here the + Colonel lowered his voice. + </p> + <p> + “Can it be true?” said the Countess. + </p> + <p> + “On my word of honor.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, my dear Colonel,” replied Madame de Vaudremont, with a glance + full of invitation. + </p> + <p> + “Will you do me the honor of dancing with me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but the next quadrille. During this one I want to find out what will + come of this little intrigue, and to ascertain who the little blue lady + may be; she looks intelligent.” + </p> + <p> + The Colonel, understanding that Madame de Vaudremont wished to be alone, + retired, well content to have begun his attack so well. + </p> + <p> + At most entertainments women are to be met who are there, like Madame de + Lansac, as old sailors gather on the seashore to watch younger mariners + struggling with the tempest. At this moment Madame de Lansac, who seemed + to be interested in the personages of this drama, could easily guess the + agitation which the Countess was going through. The lady might fan herself + gracefully, smile on the young men who bowed to her, and bring into play + all the arts by which a woman hides her emotion,—the Dowager, one of + the most clear-sighted and mischief-loving duchesses bequeathed by the + eighteenth century to the nineteenth, could read her heart and mind + through it all. + </p> + <p> + The old lady seemed to detect the slightest movement that revealed the + impressions of the soul. The imperceptible frown that furrowed that calm, + pure forehead, the faintest quiver of the cheeks, the curve of the + eyebrows, the least curl of the lips, whose living coral could conceal + nothing from her,—all these were to the Duchess like the print of a + book. From the depths of her large arm-chair, completely filled by the + flow of her dress, the coquette of the past, while talking to a diplomate + who had sought her out to hear the anecdotes she told so cleverly, was + admiring herself in the younger coquette; she felt kindly to her, seeing + how bravely she disguised her annoyance and grief of heart. Madame de + Vaudremont, in fact, felt as much sorrow as she feigned cheerfulness; she + had believed that she had found in Martial a man of talent on whose + support she could count for adorning her life with all the enchantment of + power; and at this moment she perceived her mistake, as injurious to her + reputation as to her good opinion of herself. In her, as in other women of + that time, the suddenness of their passions increased their vehemence. + Souls which love much and love often, suffer no less than those which burn + themselves out in one affection. Her liking for Martial was but of + yesterday, it is true, but the least experienced surgeon knows that the + pain caused by the amputation of a healthy limb is more acute than the + removal of a diseased one. There was a future before Madame de + Vaudremont’s passion for Martial, while her previous love had been + hopeless, and poisoned by Soulanges’ remorse. + </p> + <p> + The old Duchess, who was watching for an opportunity of speaking to the + Countess, hastened to dismiss her Ambassador; for in comparison with a + lover’s quarrel every interest pales, even with an old woman. To engage + battle, Madame de Lansac shot at the younger lady a sardonic glance which + made the Countess fear lest her fate was in the dowager’s hands. There are + looks between woman and woman which are like the torches brought on at the + climax of a tragedy. No one who had not known that Duchess could + appreciate the terror which the expression of her countenance inspired in + the Countess. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Lansac was tall, and her features led people to say, “That must + have been a handsome woman!” She coated her cheeks so thickly with rouge + that the wrinkles were scarcely visible; but her eyes, far from gaining a + factitious brilliancy from this strong carmine, looked all the more dim. + She wore a vast quantity of diamonds, and dressed with sufficient taste + not to make herself ridiculous. Her sharp nose promised epigram. A + well-fitted set of teeth preserved a smile of such irony as recalled that + of Voltaire. At the same time, the exquisite politeness of her manners so + effectually softened the mischievous twist in her mind, that it was + impossible to accuse her of spitefulness. + </p> + <p> + The old woman’s eyes lighted up, and a triumphant glance, seconded by a + smile, which said, “I promised you as much!” shot across the room, and + brought a blush of hope to the pale cheeks of the young creature + languishing under the great chandelier. The alliance between Madame de + Lansac and the stranger could not escape the practised eye of the Comtesse + de Vaudremont, who scented a mystery, and was determined to penetrate it. + </p> + <p> + At this instant the Baron de la Roche-Hugon, after questioning all the + dowagers without success as to the blue lady’s name, applied in despair to + the Comtesse de Gondreville, from whom he reached only this unsatisfactory + reply, “A lady whom the ‘ancient’ Duchesse de Lansac introduced to me.” + </p> + <p> + Turning by chance towards the armchair occupied by the old lady, the + lawyer intercepted the glance of intelligence she sent to the stranger; + and although he had for some time been on bad terms with her, he + determined to speak to her. The “ancient” Duchess, seeing the jaunty Baron + prowling round her chair, smiled with sardonic irony, and looked at Madame + de Vaudremont with an expression that made Montcornet laugh. + </p> + <p> + “If the old witch affects to be friendly,” thought the Baron, “she is + certainly going to play me some spiteful trick.—Madame,” he said, + “you have, I am told, undertaken the charge of a very precious treasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you take me for a dragon?” said the old lady. “But of whom are you + speaking?” she added, with a sweetness which revived Martial’s hopes. + </p> + <p> + “Of that little lady, unknown to all, whom the jealousy of all these + coquettes has imprisoned in that corner. You, no doubt, know her family?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the Duchess. “But what concern have you with a provincial + heiress, married some time since, a woman of good birth, whom you none of + you know, you men; she goes nowhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Why does not she dance, she is such a pretty creature?—May we + conclude a treaty of peace? If you will vouchsafe to tell me all I want to + know, I promise you that a petition for the restitution of the woods of + Navarreins by the Commissioners of Crown Lands shall be strongly urged on + the Emperor.” + </p> + <p> + The younger branch of the house of Navarreins bears quarterly with the + arms of Navarreins those of Lansac, namely, azure, and argent party per + pale raguly, between six spear-heads in pale, and the old lady’s liaison + with Louis XV. had earned her husband the title of duke by royal patent. + Now, as the Navarreins had not yet resettled in France, it was sheer + trickery that the young lawyer thus proposed to the old lady by suggesting + to her that she should petition for an estate belonging to the elder + branch of the family. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said the old woman with deceptive gravity, “bring the Comtesse + de Vaudremont across to me. I promise you that I will reveal to her the + mystery of the interesting unknown. You see, every man in the room has + reached as great a curiosity as your own. All eyes are involuntarily + turned towards the corner where my protegee has so modestly placed + herself; she is reaping all the homage the women wished to deprive her of. + Happy the man she chooses for her partner!” She interrupted herself, + fixing her eyes on Madame de Vaudremont with one of those looks which + plainly say, “We are talking of you.”—Then she added, “I imagine you + would rather learn the stranger’s name from the lips of your handsome + Countess than from mine.” + </p> + <p> + There was such marked defiance in the Duchess’ attitude that Madame de + Vaudremont rose, came up to her, and took the chair Martial placed for + her; then without noticing him she said, “I can guess, madame, that you + are talking of me; but I admit my want of perspicacity; I do not know + whether it is for good or evil.” + </p> + <p> + Madame de Lansac pressed the young woman’s pretty hand in her own dry and + wrinkled fingers, and answered in a low, compassionate tone, “Poor child!” + </p> + <p> + The women looked at each other. Madame de Vaudremont understood that + Martial was in the way, and dismissed him, saying with an imperious + expression, “Leave us.” + </p> + <p> + The Baron, ill-pleased at seeing the Countess under the spell of the + dangerous sibyl who had drawn her to her side gave one of those looks + which a man can give—potent over a blinded heart, but simply + ridiculous in the eyes of a woman who is beginning to criticise the man + who has attracted her. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think you can play the Emperor?” said Madame de Vaudremont, + turning three-quarters of her face to fix an ironical sidelong gaze on the + lawyer. + </p> + <p> + Martial was too much a man of the world, and had too much wit and acumen, + to risk breaking with a woman who was in favor at Court, and whom the + Emperor wished to see married. He counted, too, on the jealousy he + intended to provoke in her as the surest means of discovering the secret + of her coolness, and withdrew all the more willingly, because at this + moment a new quadrille was putting everybody in motion. + </p> + <p> + With an air of making room for the dancing, the Baron leaned back against + the marble slab of a console, folded his arms, and stood absorbed in + watching the two ladies talking. From time to time he followed the glances + which both frequently directed to the stranger. Then, comparing the + Countess with the new beauty, made so attractive by a touch of mystery, + the Baron fell a prey to the detestable self-interest common to + adventurous lady-killers; he hesitated between a fortune within his grasp + and the indulgence of his caprice. The blaze of light gave such strong + relief to his anxious and sullen face, against the hangings of white silk + moreen brushed by his black hair, that he might have been compared to an + evil genius. Even from a distance more than one observer no doubt said to + himself, “There is another poor wretch who seems to be enjoying himself!” + </p> + <p> + The Colonel, meanwhile, with one shoulder leaning lightly against the + side-post of the doorway between the ballroom and the cardroom, could + laugh undetected under his ample moustache; it amused him to look on at + the turmoil of the dance; he could see a hundred pretty heads turning + about in obedience to the figures; he could read in some faces, as in + those of the Countess and his friend Martial, the secrets of their + agitation; and then, looking round, he wondered what connection there + could be between the gloomy looks of the Comte de Soulanges, still seated + on the sofa, and the plaintive expression of the fair unknown, on whose + features the joys of hope and the anguish of involuntary dread were + alternately legible. Montcornet stood like the king of the feast. In this + moving picture he saw a complete presentment of the world, and he laughed + at it as he found himself the object of inviting smiles from a hundred + beautiful and elegant women. A Colonel of the Imperial Guard, a position + equal to that of a Brigadier-General, was undoubtedly one of the best + matches in the army. + </p> + <p> + It was now nearly midnight. The conversation, the gambling, the dancing, + the flirtations, interests, petty rivalries, and scheming had all reached + the pitch of ardor which makes a young man exclaim involuntarily, “A fine + ball!” + </p> + <p> + “My sweet little angel,” said Madame de Lansac to the Countess, “you are + now at an age when in my day I made many mistakes. Seeing you are just now + enduring a thousand deaths, it occurred to me that I might give you some + charitable advice. To go wrong at two-and-twenty means spoiling your + future; is it not tearing the gown you must wear? My dear, it is not much + later that we learn to go about in it without crumpling it. Go on, + sweetheart, making clever enemies, and friends who have no sense of + conduct, and you will see what a pleasant life you will some day be + leading!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, madame, it is very hard for a woman to be happy, do not you think?” + the Countess eagerly exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “My child, at your age you must learn to choose between pleasure and + happiness. You want to marry Martial, who is not fool enough to make a + good husband, nor passionate enough to remain a lover. He is in debt, my + dear; he is the man to run through your fortune; still, that would be + nothing if he could make you happy.—Do not you see how aged he is? + The man must have been ill; he is making the most of what is left him. In + three years he will be a wreck. Then he will be ambitious; perhaps he may + succeed. I do not think so.—What is he? A man of intrigue, who may + have the business faculty to perfection, and be able to gossip agreeably; + but he is too presumptuous to have any sterling merit; he will not go far. + Besides—only look at him. Is it not written on his brow that, at + this very moment, what he sees in you is not a young and pretty woman, but + the two million francs you possess? He does not love you, my dear; he is + reckoning you up as if you were an investment. If you are bent on + marrying, find an older man who has an assured position and is half-way on + his career. A widow’s marriage ought not to be a trivial love affair. Is a + mouse to be caught a second time in the same trap? A new alliance ought + now to be a good speculation on your part, and in marrying again you ought + at least to have a hope of being some day addressed as Madame la + Marechale!” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, both women naturally fixed their eyes on Colonel + Montcornet’s handsome face. + </p> + <p> + “If you would rather play the delicate part of a flirt and not marry + again,” the Duchess went on, with blunt good-nature; “well! my poor child, + you, better than any woman, will know how to raise the storm-clouds and + disperse them again. But, I beseech you, never make it your pleasure to + disturb the peace of families, to destroy unions, and ruin the happiness + of happy wives. I, my dear, have played that perilous game. Dear heaven! + for a triumph of vanity some poor virtuous soul is murdered—for + there really are virtuous women, child,—and we may make ourselves + mortally hated. I learned, a little too late, that, as the Duc d’Albe once + said, one salmon is worth a thousand frogs! A genuine affection certainly + brings a thousand times more happiness than the transient passions we may + inspire.—Well, I came here on purpose to preach to you; yes, you are + the cause of my appearance in this house, which stinks of the lower class. + Have I not just seen actors here? Formerly, my dear, we received them in + our boudoir; but in the drawing-room—never!—Why do you look at + me with so much amazement? Listen to me. If you want to play with men, do + not try to wring the hearts of any but those whose life is not yet + settled, who have no duties to fulfil; the others do not forgive us for + the errors that have made them happy. Profit by this maxim, founded on my + long experience.—That luckless Soulanges, for instance, whose head + you have turned, whom you have intoxicated for these fifteen months past, + God knows how! Do you know at what you have struck?—At his whole + life. He has been married these two years; he is worshiped by a charming + wife, whom he loves, but neglects; she lives in tears and embittered + silence. Soulanges has had hours of remorse more terrible than his + pleasure has been sweet. And you, you artful little thing, have deserted + him.—Well, come and see your work.” + </p> + <p> + The old lady took Madame de Vaudremont’s hand, and they rose. + </p> + <p> + “There,” said Madame de Lansac, and her eyes showed her the stranger, + sitting pale and tremulous under the glare of the candles, “that is my + grandniece, the Comtesse de Soulanges; to-day she yielded at last to my + persuasion, and consented to leave the sorrowful room, where the sight of + her child gives her but little consolation. You see her? You think her + charming? Then imagine, dear Beauty, what she must have been when + happiness and love shed their glory on that face now blighted.” + </p> + <p> + The Countess looked away in silence, and seemed lost in sad reflections. + </p> + <p> + The Duchess led her to the door into the card-room; then, after looking + round the room as if in search of some one—“And there is Soulanges!” + she said in deep tones. + </p> + <p> + The Countess shuddered as she saw, in the least brilliantly lighted + corner, the pale, set face of Soulanges stretched in an easy-chair. The + indifference of his attitude and the rigidity of his brow betrayed his + suffering. The players passed him to and fro, without paying any more + attention to him than if he had been dead. The picture of the wife in + tears, and the dejected, morose husband, separated in the midst of this + festivity like the two halves of a tree blasted by lightning, had perhaps + a prophetic significance for the Countess. She dreaded lest she here saw + an image of the revenges the future might have in store for her. Her heart + was not yet so dried up that the feeling and generosity were entirely + excluded, and she pressed the Duchess’ hand, while thanking her by one of + those smiles which have a certain childlike grace. + </p> + <p> + “My dear child,” the old lady said in her ear, “remember henceforth that + we are just as capable of repelling a man’s attentions as of attracting + them.” + </p> + <p> + “She is yours if you are not a simpleton.” These words were whispered into + Colonel Montcornet’s ear by Madame de Lansac, while the handsome Countess + was still absorbed in compassion at the sight of Soulanges, for she still + loved him truly enough to wish to restore him to happiness, and was + promising herself in her own mind that she would exert the irresistible + power her charms still had over him to make him return to his wife. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I will talk to him!” said she to Madame de Lansac. + </p> + <p> + “Do nothing of the kind, my dear!” cried the old lady, as she went back to + her armchair. “Choose a good husband, and shut your door to my nephew. + Believe me, my child, a wife cannot accept her husband’s heart as the gift + of another woman; she is a hundred times happier in the belief that she + has reconquered it. By bringing my niece here I believe I have given her + an excellent chance of regaining her husband’s affection. All the + assistance I need of you is to play the Colonel.” She pointed to the + Baron’s friend, and the Countess smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Well, madame, do you at last know the name of the unknown?” asked + Martial, with an air of pique, to the Countess when he saw her alone. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Madame de Vaudremont, looking him in the face. + </p> + <p> + Her features expressed as much roguery as fun. The smile which gave life + to her lips and cheeks, the liquid brightness of her eyes, were like the + will-o’-the-wisp which leads travelers astray. Martial, who believed that + she still loved him, assumed the coquetting graces in which a man is so + ready to lull himself in the presence of the woman he loves. He said with + a fatuous air: + </p> + <p> + “And will you be annoyed with me if I seem to attach great importance to + your telling me that name?” + </p> + <p> + “Will you be annoyed with me,” answered Madame de Vaudremont, “if a + remnant of affection prevents my telling you; and if I forbid you to make + the smallest advances to that young lady? It would be at the risk of your + life perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “To lose your good graces, madame, would be worse than to lose my life.” + </p> + <p> + “Martial,” said the Countess severely, “she is Madame de Soulanges. Her + husband would blow your brains out—if, indeed, you have any——” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! ha!” laughed the coxcomb. “What! the Colonel can leave the man in + peace who has robbed him of your love, and then would fight for his wife! + What a subversion of principles!—I beg of you to allow me to dance + with the little lady. You will then be able to judge how little love that + heart of ice could feel for you; for, if the Colonel disapproves of my + dancing with his wife after allowing me to——” + </p> + <p> + “But she loves her husband.” + </p> + <p> + “A still further obstacle that I shall have the pleasure of conquering.” + </p> + <p> + “But she is married.” + </p> + <p> + “A whimsical objection!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said the Countess, with a bitter smile, “you punish us alike for our + faults and our repentance!” + </p> + <p> + “Do not be angry!” exclaimed Martial eagerly. “Oh, forgive me, I beseech + you. There, I will think no more of Madame de Soulanges.” + </p> + <p> + “You deserve that I should send you to her.” + </p> + <p> + “I am off then,” said the Baron, laughing, “and I shall return more + devoted to you than ever. You will see that the prettiest woman in the + world cannot capture the heart that is yours.” + </p> + <p> + “That is to say, that you want to win Colonel Montcornet’s horse?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Traitor!” said he, threatening his friend with his finger. The + Colonel smiled and joined them; the Baron gave him the seat near the + Countess, saying to her with a sardonic accent: + </p> + <p> + “Here, madame, is a man who boasted that he could win your good graces in + one evening.” + </p> + <p> + He went away, thinking himself clever to have piqued the Countess’ pride + and done Montcornet an ill turn; but, in spite of his habitual keenness, + he had not appreciated the irony underlying Madame de Vaudremont’s speech, + and did not perceive that she had come as far to meet his friend as his + friend towards her, though both were unconscious of it. + </p> + <p> + At that moment when the lawyer went fluttering up to the candelabrum by + which Madame de Soulanges sat, pale, timid, and apparently alive only in + her eyes, her husband came to the door of the ballroom, his eyes flashing + with anger. The old Duchess, watchful of everything, flew to her nephew, + begged him to give her his arm and find her carriage, affecting to be + mortally bored, and hoping thus to prevent a vexatious outbreak. Before + going she fired a singular glance of intelligence at her niece, indicating + the enterprising knight who was about to address her, and this signal + seemed to say, “There he is, avenge yourself!” + </p> + <p> + Madame de Vaudremont caught these looks of the aunt and niece; a sudden + light dawned on her mind; she was frightened lest she was the dupe of this + old woman, so cunning and so practised in intrigue. + </p> + <p> + “That perfidious Duchess,” said she to herself, “has perhaps been amusing + herself by preaching morality to me while playing me some spiteful trick + of her own.” + </p> + <p> + At this thought Madame de Vaudremont’s pride was perhaps more roused than + her curiosity to disentangle the thread of this intrigue. In the + absorption of mind to which she was a prey she was no longer mistress of + herself. The Colonel, interpreting to his own advantage the embarrassment + evident in the Countess’ manner and speech, became more ardent and + pressing. The old blase diplomates, amusing themselves by watching the + play of faces, had never found so many intrigues at once to watch or guess + at. The passions agitating the two couples were to be seen with variations + at every step in the crowded rooms, and reflected with different shades in + other countenances. The spectacle of so many vivid passions, of all these + lovers’ quarrels, these pleasing revenges, these cruel favors, these + flaming glances, of all this ardent life diffused around them, only made + them feel their impotence more keenly. + </p> + <p> + At last the Baron had found a seat by Madame de Soulanges. His eyes stole + a long look at her neck, as fresh as dew and as fragrant as field flowers. + He admired close at hand the beauty which had amazed him from afar. He + could see a small, well-shod foot, and measure with his eye a slender and + graceful shape. At that time women wore their sash tied close under the + bosom, in imitation of Greek statues, a pitiless fashion for those whose + bust was faulty. As he cast furtive glances at the Countess’ figure, + Martial was enchanted with its perfection. + </p> + <p> + “You have not danced once this evening, madame,” said he in soft and + flattering tones. “Not, I should suppose, for lack of a partner?” + </p> + <p> + “I never go to parties; I am quite unknown,” replied Madame de Soulanges + coldly, not having understood the look by which her aunt had just conveyed + to her that she was to attract the Baron. + </p> + <p> + Martial, to give himself countenance, twisted the diamond he wore on his + left hand; the rainbow fires of the gem seemed to flash a sudden light on + the young Countess’ mind; she blushed and looked at the Baron with an + undefinable expression. + </p> + <p> + “Do you like dancing?” asked the Provencal, to reopen the conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, very much, monsieur.” + </p> + <p> + At this strange reply their eyes met. The young man, surprised by the + earnest accent, which aroused a vague hope in his heart, had suddenly + questioned the lady’s eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Then, madame, am I not overbold in offering myself to be your partner for + the next quadrille?” + </p> + <p> + Artless confusion colored the Countess’ white cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “But, monsieur, I have already refused one partner—a military man——” + </p> + <p> + “Was it that tall cavalry colonel whom you see over there?” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely so.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! he is a friend of mine; feel no alarm. Will you grant me the favor I + dare hope for?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, monsieur.” + </p> + <p> + Her tone betrayed an emotion so new and so deep that the lawyer’s + world-worn soul was touched. He was overcome by shyness like a + schoolboy’s, lost his confidence, and his southern brain caught fire; he + tried to talk, but his phrases struck him as graceless in comparison with + Madame de Soulanges’ bright and subtle replies. It was lucky for him that + the quadrille was forming. Standing by his beautiful partner, he felt more + at ease. To many men dancing is a phase of being; they think that they can + more powerfully influence the heart of woman by displaying the graces of + their bodies than by their intellect. Martial wished, no doubt, at this + moment to put forth all his most effective seductions, to judge by the + pretentiousness of his movements and gestures. + </p> + <p> + He led his conquest to the quadrille in which the most brilliant women in + the room made it a point of chimerical importance to dance in preference + to any other. While the orchestra played the introductory bars to the + first figure, the Baron felt it an incredible gratification to his pride + to perceive, as he reviewed the ladies forming the lines of that + formidable square, that Madame de Soulanges’ dress might challenge that + even of Madame de Vaudremont, who, by a chance not perhaps unsought, was + standing with Montcornet <i>vis-a-vis</i> to himself and the lady in blue. + All eyes were for a moment turned on Madame de Soulanges; a flattering + murmur showed that she was the subject of every man’s conversation with + his partner. Looks of admiration and envy centered on her, with so much + eagerness that the young creature, abashed by a triumph she seemed to + disclaim, modestly looked down, blushed, and was all the more charming. + When she raised her white eyelids it was to look at her ravished partner + as though she wished to transfer the glory of this admiration to him, and + to say that she cared more for his than for all the rest. She threw her + innocence into her vanity; or rather she seemed to give herself up to the + guileless admiration which is the beginning of love, with the good faith + found only in youthful hearts. As she danced, the lookers-on might easily + believe that she displayed her grace for Martial alone; and though she was + modest, and new to the trickery of the ballroom, she knew as well as the + most accomplished coquette how to raise her eyes to his at the right + moment and drop their lids with assumed modesty. + </p> + <p> + When the movement of a new figure, invented by a dancer named Trenis, and + named after him, brought Martial face to face with the Colonel—“I + have won your horse,” said he, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but you have lost eighty thousand francs a year!” retorted + Montcornet, glancing at Madame de Vaudremont. + </p> + <p> + “What do I care?” replied Martial. “Madame de Soulanges is worth + millions!” + </p> + <p> + At the end of the quadrille more than one whisper was poured into more + than one ear. The less pretty women made moral speeches to their partners, + commenting on the budding liaison between Martial and the Comtesse de + Soulanges. The handsomest wondered at her easy surrender. The men could + not understand such luck as the Baron’s, not regarding him as particularly + fascinating. A few indulgent women said it was not fair to judge the + Countess too hastily; young wives would be in a very hapless plight if an + expressive look or a few graceful dancing steps were enough to compromise + a woman. + </p> + <p> + Martial alone knew the extent of his happiness. During the last figure, + when the ladies had to form the <i>moulinet</i>, his fingers clasped those + of the Countess, and he fancied that, through the thin perfumed kid of her + gloves, the young wife’s grasp responded to his amorous appeal. + </p> + <p> + “Madame,” said he, as the quadrille ended, “do not go back to the odious + corner where you have been burying your face and your dress until now. Is + admiration the only benefit you can obtain from the jewels that adorn your + white neck and beautifully dressed hair? Come and take a turn through the + rooms to enjoy the scene and yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Madame de Soulanges yielded to her seducer, who thought she would be his + all the more surely if he could only show her off. Side by side they + walked two or three times amid the groups who crowded the rooms. The + Comtesse de Soulanges, evidently uneasy, paused for an instant at each + door before entering, only doing so after stretching her neck to look at + all the men there. This alarm, which crowned the Baron’s satisfaction, did + not seem to be removed till he said to her, “Make yourself easy; <i>he</i> + is not here.” + </p> + <p> + They thus made their way to an immense picture gallery in a wing of the + mansion, where their eyes could feast in anticipation on the splendid + display of a collation prepared for three hundred persons. As supper was + about to begin, Martial led the Countess to an oval boudoir looking on to + the garden, where the rarest flowers and a few shrubs made a scented bower + under bright blue hangings. The murmurs of the festivity here died away. + The Countess, at first startled, refused firmly to follow the young man; + but, glancing in a mirror, she no doubt assured herself that they could be + seen, for she seated herself on an ottoman with a fairly good grace. + </p> + <p> + “This room is charming,” said she, admiring the sky-blue hangings looped + with pearls. + </p> + <p> + “All here is love and delight!” said the Baron, with deep emotion. + </p> + <p> + In the mysterious light which prevailed he looked at the Countess, and + detected on her gently agitated face an expression of uneasiness, modesty, + and eagerness which enchanted him. The young lady smiled, and this smile + seemed to put an end to the struggle of feeling surging in her heart; in + the most insinuating way she took her adorer’s left hand, and drew from + his finger the ring on which she had fixed her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “What a fine diamond!” she exclaimed in the artless tone of a young girl + betraying the incitement of a first temptation. + </p> + <p> + Martial, troubled by the Countess’ involuntary but intoxicating touch, + like a caress, as she drew off the ring, looked at her with eyes as + glittering as the gem. + </p> + <p> + “Wear it,” he said, “in memory of this hour, and for the love of——” + </p> + <p> + She was looking at him with such rapture that he did not end the sentence; + he kissed her hand. + </p> + <p> + “You give it me?” she said, looking much astonished. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I had the whole world to offer you!” + </p> + <p> + “You are not joking?” she went on, in a voice husky with too great + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “Will you accept only my diamond?” + </p> + <p> + “You will never take it back?” she insisted. + </p> + <p> + “Never.” + </p> + <p> + She put the ring on her finger. Martial, confident of coming happiness, + was about to put his hand round her waist, but she suddenly rose, and said + in a clear voice, without any agitation: + </p> + <p> + “I accept the diamond, monsieur, with the less scruple because it belongs + to me.” + </p> + <p> + The Baron was speechless. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur de Soulanges took it lately from my dressing-table, and told me + he had lost it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken, madame,” said Martial, nettled. “It was given me by + Madame de Vaudremont.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely so,” she said with a smile. “My husband borrowed this ring of + me, he gave it to her, she made it a present to you; my ring has made a + little journey, that is all. This ring will perhaps tell me all I do not + know, and teach me the secret of always pleasing.—Monsieur,” she + went on, “if it had not been my own, you may be sure I should not have + risked paying so dear for it; for a young woman, it is said, is in danger + with you. But, you see,” and she touched a spring within the ring, “here + is M. de Soulanges’ hair.” + </p> + <p> + She fled into the crowded rooms so swiftly, that it seemed useless to try + to follow her; besides, Martial, utterly confounded, was in no mood to + carry the adventure further. The Countess’ laugh found an echo in the + boudoir, where the young coxcomb now perceived, between two shrubs, the + Colonel and Madame de Vaudremont, both laughing heartily. + </p> + <p> + “Will you have my horse, to ride after your prize?” said the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + The Baron took the banter poured upon him by Madame de Vaudremont and + Montcornet with a good grace, which secured their silence as to the events + of the evening, when his friend exchanged his charger for a rich and + pretty young wife. + </p> + <p> + As the Comtesse de Soulanges drove across Paris from the Chausee d’Antin + to the Faubourg Saint-Germain, where she lived, her soul was prey to many + alarms. Before leaving the Hotel Gondreville she went through all the + rooms, but found neither her aunt nor her husband, who had gone away + without her. Frightful suspicions then tortured her ingenuous mind. A + silent witness of her husbands’ torments since the day when Madame de + Vaudremont had chained him to her car, she had confidently hoped that + repentance would ere long restore her husband to her. It was with + unspeakable repugnance that she had consented to the scheme plotted by her + aunt, Madame de Lansac, and at this moment she feared she had made a + mistake. + </p> + <p> + The evening’s experience had saddened her innocent soul. Alarmed at first + by the Count’s look of suffering and dejection, she had become more so on + seeing her rival’s beauty, and the corruption of society had gripped her + heart. As she crossed the Pont Royal she threw away the desecrated hair at + the back of the diamond, given to her once as a token of the purest + affection. She wept as she remembered the bitter grief to which she had so + long been a victim, and shuddered more than once as she reflected that the + duty of a woman, who wishes for peace in her home, compels her to bury + sufferings so keen as hers at the bottom of her heart, and without a + complaint. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” thought she, “what can women do when they do not love? What is the + fount of their indulgence? I cannot believe that, as my aunt tells me, + reason is all-sufficient to maintain them in such devotion.” + </p> + <p> + She was still sighing when her man-servant let down the handsome + carriage-step down which she flew into the hall of her house. She rushed + precipitately upstairs, and when she reached her room was startled by + seeing her husband sitting by the fire. + </p> + <p> + “How long is it, my dear, since you have gone to balls without telling me + beforehand?” he asked in a broken voice. “You must know that a woman is + always out of place without her husband. You compromised yourself + strangely by remaining in the dark corner where you had ensconced + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my dear, good Leon,” said she in a coaxing tone, “I could not resist + the happiness of seeing you without your seeing me. My aunt took me to + this ball, and I was very happy there!” + </p> + <p> + This speech disarmed the Count’s looks of their assumed severity, for he + had been blaming himself while dreading his wife’s return, no doubt fully + informed at the ball of an infidelity he had hoped to hide from her; and, + as is the way of lovers conscious of their guilt, he tried, by being the + first to find fault, to escape her just anger. Happy in seeing her husband + smile, and in finding him at this hour in a room whither of late he had + come more rarely, the Countess looked at him so tenderly that she blushed + and cast down her eyes. Her clemency enraptured Soulanges all the more, + because this scene followed on the misery he had endured at the ball. He + seized his wife’s hand and kissed it gratefully. Is not gratitude often a + part of love? + </p> + <p> + “Hortense, what is that on your finger that has hurt my lip so much?” + asked he, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “It is my diamond which you said you had lost, and which I have found.” + </p> + <p> + General Montcornet did not marry Madame de Vaudremont, in spite of the + mutual understanding in which they had lived for a few minutes, for she + was one of the victims of the terrible fire which sealed the fame of the + ball given by the Austrian ambassador on the occasion of Napoleon’s + marriage with the daughter of the Emperor Joseph II. + </p> + <h3> + JULY, 1829. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + ADDENDUM + </h2> + <h3> + The following personages appear in other stories of the Human Comedy. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Bonaparte, Napoleon + The Vendetta + The Gondreville Mystery + Colonel Chabert + The Seamy Side of History + A Woman of Thirty + + Gondreville, Malin, Comte de + The Gondreville Mystery + A Start in Life + The Member for Arcis + + Keller, Francois + Cesar Birotteau + Eugenie Grandet + The Government Clerks + The Member for Arcis + + Keller, Madame Francois + The Member for Arcis + The Thirteen + + La Roche-Hugon, Martial de + The Peasantry + A Daughter of Eve + The Member for Arcis + The Middle Classes + Cousin Betty + + Montcornet, Marechal, Comte de + Lost Illusions + A Distinguished Provincial at Paris + Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life + The Peasantry + A Man of Business + Cousin Betty + + Murat, Joachim, Prince + The Vendetta + The Gondreville Mystery + Colonel Chabert + The Country Doctor + + Soulanges, Comte Leon de + The Peasantry + + Soulanges, Comtesse Hortense de + The Thirteen + The Peasantry +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1411 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |