Isthereahousewifewho，since1838，hasnotsufferedfromtheevileffectsofSocialistdoctrinesdiffusedamongthelowerclassesbyincendiarywriters？Ineveryhouseholdtheplagueofservantsisnowadaystheworstoffinancialafflictions。Withveryfewexceptions，whooughttoberewardedwiththeMontyonprize，thecook，maleorfemale，isadomesticrobber，athieftakingwages，andperfectlybarefaced，withtheGovernmentforafence，developingthetendencytodishonesty，whichisalmostauthorizedinthecookbythetime-honoredjestastothe”handleofthebasket。”Thewomenwhoformerlypickeduptheirfortysoustobuyalotteryticketnowtakefiftyfrancstoputintothesavingsbank。AndthesmugPuritanswhoamusethemselvesinFrancewithphilanthropicexperimentsfancythattheyaremakingthecommonpeoplemoral！
Betweenthemarketandthemaster’stabletheservantshavetheirsecrettoll，andthemunicipalityofParisislesssharpincollectingthecity-duesthantheservantsareintakingtheirsoneverysinglething。Tosaynothingoffiftypercentchargedoneveryformoffood，theydemandlargeNewYear’spremiumsfromthetradesmen。Thebestclassofdealerstremblebeforethisoccultpower，andsubsidizeitwithoutaword——coachmakers，jewelers，tailors，andall。Ifanyattemptismadetointerferewiththem，theservantsreplywithimpudentretorts，orrevengethemselvesbythecostlyblundersofassumedclumsiness；andinthesedaystheyinquireintotheirmaster’scharacteras，formerly，themasterinquiredintotheirs。Thismischiefisnowreallyatitsheight，andthelaw-courtsarebeginningtotakecognizanceofit；butinvain，foritcannotberemediedbutbyalawwhichshallcompeldomesticservants，likelaborers，tohaveapass-
bookasaguaranteeofconduct。Thentheevilwillvanishasifbymagic。Ifeveryservantwereobligedtoshowhispass-book，andifmasterswererequiredtostateinitthecauseofhisdismissal，thiswouldcertainlyproveapowerfulchecktotheevil。
Themenwhoaregivingtheirattentionstothepoliticsofthedayknownottowhatlengthsthedepravityofthelowerclasseshasgone。
Statisticsaresilentastothestartlingnumberofworkingmenoftwentywhomarrycooksofbetweenfortyandfiftyenrichedbyrobbery。
Weshuddertothinkoftheresultofsuchunionsfromthethreepointsofviewofincreasingcrime，degeneracyoftherace，andmiserablehouseholds。
Astothemerefinancialmischiefthatresultsfromdomesticpeculation，thattooisimmensefromapoliticalpointofview。Lifebeingmadetocostdouble，anysuperfluitybecomesimpossibleinmosthouseholds。Nowsuperfluitymeanshalfthetradeoftheworld，asitishalftheeleganceoflife。Booksandflowersaretomanypersonsasnecessaryasbread。
Lisbeth，wellawareofthisdreadfulscourgeofParisianhouseholds，determinedtomanageValerie’s，promisinghereveryassistanceintheterriblescenewhenthetwowomenhadsworntobelikesisters。SoshehadbroughtfromthedepthsoftheVosgesahumblerelationonhermother’sside，averypiousandhonestsoul，whohadbeencooktotheBishopofNancy。Fearing，however，herinexperienceofParisways，andyetmoretheevilcounselwhichwreckssuchfragilevirtue，atfirstLisbethalwayswenttomarketwithMathurine，andtriedtoteachherwhattobuy。Toknowtherealpricesofthingsandcommandthesalesman’srespect；topurchaseunnecessarydelicacies，suchasfish，onlywhentheywerecheap；tobewellinformedastothepricecurrentofgroceriesandprovisions，soastobuywhenpricesarelowinanticipationofarise，——allthishousekeepingskillisinParisessentialtodomesticeconomy。AsMathurinegotgoodwagesandmanypresents，shelikedthehousewellenoughtobegladtodrivegoodbargains。AndbythistimeLisbethhadmadeherquiteamatchforherself，sufficientlyexperiencedandtrustworthytobesenttomarketalone，unlessValeriewasgivingadinner——which，infact，wasnotunfrequentlythecase。Andthiswashowitcameabout。
TheBaronhadatfirstobservedthestrictestdecorum；buthispassionforMadameMarneffehaderelongbecomesovehement，sogreedy，thathewouldneverquitherifhecouldhelpit。Atfirsthedinedtherefourtimesaweek；thenhethoughtitdelightfultodinewithhereveryday。Sixmonthsafterhisdaughter’smarriagehewaspayinghertwothousandfrancsamonthforhisboard。MadameMarneffeinvitedanyoneherdearBaronwishedtoentertain。Thedinnerwasalwaysarrangedforsix；hecouldbringinthreeunexpectedguests。Lisbeth’seconomyenabledhertosolvetheextraordinaryproblemofkeepingupthetableinthebeststyleforathousandfrancsamonth，givingtheotherthousandtoMadameMarneffe。Valerie’sdressbeingchieflypaidforbyCrevelandtheBaron，thetwowomensavedanotherthousandfrancsamonthonthis。
Andsothispureandinnocentbeinghadalreadyaccumulatedahundredandfiftythousandfrancsinsavings。Shehadcapitalizedherincomeandmonthlybonus，andswelledtheamountbyenormousinterest，duetoCrevel’sliberalityinallowinghis”littleDuchess”toinvesthermoneyinpartnershipwithhiminhisfinancialoperations。CrevelhadtaughtValerietheslangandtheprocedureofthemoneymarket，and，likeeveryParisianwoman，shehadsoonoutstrippedhermaster。
Lisbeth，whoneverspentasouofhertwelvehundredfrancs，whoserentanddressweregiventoher，andwhoneverputherhandinherpocket，hadlikewiseasmallcapitaloffiveorsixthousandfrancs，ofwhichCreveltookfatherlycare。
Atthesametime，twosuchloverswereaheavyburthenonValerie。Onthedaywhenthisdramareopens，Valerie，spurredbyoneofthoseincidentswhichhavetheeffectinlifethattheringingofabellhasininducingaswarmofbeestosettle，wentuptoLisbeth’sroomstogiveventtooneofthosecomfortinglamentations——asortofcigaretteblownofffromthetongue——bywhichwomenalleviatetheminormiseriesoflife。”Oh，Lisbeth，mylove，twohoursofCrevelthismorning！Itiscrushing！HowIwishIcouldsendyouinmyplace！””That，unluckily，isimpossible，”saidLisbeth，smiling。”Ishalldieamaid。””Twooldmenlovers！Really，Iamashamedsometimes！Ifmypoormothercouldseeme。””YouaremistakingmeforCrevel！”saidLisbeth。”Tellme，mylittleBetty，doyounotdespiseme？””Oh！ifIhadbutbeenpretty，whatadventuresIwouldhavehad！”
criedLisbeth。”Thatisyourjustification。””Butyouwouldhaveactedonlyatthedictatesofyourheart，”saidMadameMarneffe，withasigh。”Pooh！Marneffeisadeadmantheyhaveforgottentobury，”repliedLisbeth。”TheBaronisasgoodasyourhusband；Crevelisyouradorer；
itseemstomethatyouarequiteinorder——likeeveryothermarriedwoman。””No，itisnotthat，dear，adorablething；thatisnotwheretheshoepinches；youdonotchoosetounderstand。””Yes，Ido，”saidLisbeth。”Theunexpressedfactorispartofmyrevenge；whatcanIdo？Iamworkingitout。””IloveWenceslassothatIampositivelygrowingthin，andIcanneverseehim，”saidValerie，throwingupherarms。”Hulotaskshimtodinner，andmyartistdeclines。HedoesnotknowthatIidolizehim，thewretch！Whatishiswifeafterall？Fineflesh！Yes，sheishandsome，butI——Iknowmyself——Iamworse！””Bequiteeasy，mychild，hewillcome，”saidLisbeth，inthetoneofanursetoanimpatientchild。”Heshall。””Butwhen？””Thisweekperhaps。””Givemeakiss。”
Asmaybeseen，thesetwowomenwerebutone。EverythingValeriedid，evenhermostrecklessactions，herpleasures，herlittlesulks，weredecidedonafterseriousdeliberationbetweenthem。
Lisbeth，strangelyexcitedbythisharlotexistence，advisedValerieoneverystep，andpursuedhercourseofrevengewithpitilesslogic。
ShereallyadoredValerie；shehadtakenhertobeherchild，herfriend，herlove；shefoundherdocile，asCreolesare，yieldingfromvoluptuousindolence；shechatteredwithhermorningaftermorningwithmorepleasurethanwithWenceslas；theycouldlaughtogetheroverthemischieftheyplotted，andoverthefollyofmen，andcountuptheswellinginterestontheirrespectivesavings。
Indeed，inthisnewenterpriseandnewaffection，LisbethhadfoundfoodforheractivitythatwasfarmoresatisfyingthanherinsanepassionforWenceslas。Thejoysofgratifiedhatredarethefiercestandstrongesttheheartcanknow。Loveisthegold，hatredtheironofthemineoffeelingthatliesburiedinus。Andthen，Valeriewas，toLisbeth，Beautyinallitsglory——thebeautysheworshiped，asweworshipwhatwehavenot，beautyfarmoreplastictoherhandthanthatofWenceslas，whohadalwaysbeencoldtoheranddistant。
Attheendofnearlythreeyears，Lisbethwasbeginningtoperceivetheprogressoftheundergroundmineonwhichshewasexpendingherlifeandconcentratinghermind。Lisbethplanned，MadameMarneffeacted。MadameMarneffewastheaxe，Lisbethwasthehandthewieldedit，andthathandwasrapidlydemolishingthefamilywhichwaseverydaymoreodioustoher；forwecanhatemoreandmore，justas，whenwelove，welovebettereveryday。
Loveandhatredarefeelingsthatfeedonthemselves；butofthetwo，hatredhasthelongervitality。Loveisrestrictedwithinlimitsofpower；itderivesitsenergiesfromlifeandfromlavishness。Hatredislikedeath，likeavarice；itis，sotospeak，anactiveabstraction，abovebeingsandthings。
Lisbeth，embarkedontheexistencethatwasnaturaltoher，expendedinitallherfaculties；governing，liketheJesuits，byoccultinfluences。Theregenerationofherpersonwasequallycomplete；herfacewasradiant。LisbethdreamedofbecomingMadamelaMarechaleHulot。
Thislittlescene，inwhichthetwofriendshadbluntlyutteredtheirideaswithoutanycircumlocutioninexpressingthem，tookplaceimmediatelyonLisbeth’sreturnfrommarket，whithershehadbeentoprocurethematerialsforanelegantdinner。Marneffe，whohopedtogetCoquet’splace，wastoentertainhimandthevirtuousMadameCoquet，andValeriehopedtopersuadeHulot，thatveryevening，toconsiderthehead-clerk’sresignation。
LisbethdressedtogototheBaroness，withwhomshewastodine。”Youwillcomebackintimetomaketeaforus，myBetty？”saidValerie。”Ihopeso。””Youhopeso——why？HaveyoucometosleepingwithAdelinetodrinkhertearswhilesheisasleep？””IfonlyIcould！”saidLisbeth，laughing。”Iwouldnotrefuse。Sheisexpiatingherhappiness——andIamglad，forIrememberouryoungdays。
Itismyturnnow。Shewillbeinthemire，andIshallbeComtessedeForzheim！”
LisbethsetoutfortheRuePlumet，whereshenowwentastothetheatre——toindulgeheremotions。
TheresidenceHulothadfoundforhiswifeconsistedofalarge，bareentrance-room，adrawing-room，andabedanddressing-room。Thedining-roomwasnextthedrawing-roomononeside。Twoservants’roomsandakitchenonthethirdfloorcompletedtheaccommodation，whichwasnotunworthyofaCouncillorofState，highupintheWarOffice。
Thehouse，thecourt-yard，andthestairswereextremelyhandsome。
TheBaroness，whohadtofurnishherdrawing-room，bed-room，anddining-roomwiththerelicsofhersplendor，hadbroughtawaythebestoftheremainsfromthehouseintheRuedel’Universite。Indeed，thepoorwomanwasattachedtothesemutewitnessesofherhappierlife；
tohertheyhadanalmostconsolingeloquence。Inmemoryshesawherflowers，asinthecarpetsshecouldtracepatternshardlyvisiblenowtoothereyes。
Ongoingintothespaciousanteroom，wheretwelvechairs，abarometer，alargestove，andlong，whitecottoncurtains，borderedwithred，suggestedthedreadfulwaiting-roomofaGovernmentoffice，thevisitorfeltoppressed，consciousatonceoftheisolationinwhichthemistresslived。Grief，likepleasure，infectstheatmosphere。A
firstglanceintoanyhomeisenoughtotellyouwhetherloveordespairreignsthere。
AdelinewouldbefoundsittinginanimmensebedroomwithbeautifulfurniturebyJacobDesmalters，ofmahoganyfinishedintheEmpirestylewithormolu，whichlooksevenlessinvitingthanthebrass-workofLouisXVI。！ItgaveoneashivertoseethislonelywomansittingonaRomanchair，awork-tablewithsphinxesbeforeher，colorless，affectingfalsecheerfulness，butpreservingherimperialair，asshehadpreservedthebluevelvetgownshealwaysworeinthehouse。Herproudspiritsustainedherstrengthandpreservedherbeauty。
TheBaroness，bytheendofherfirstyearofbanishmenttothisapartment，hadgaugedeverydepthofmisfortune。”Still，evenheremyHectorhasmademylifemuchhandsomerthanitshouldbeforamerepeasant，”saidshetoherself。”Hechoosesthatitshouldbeso；hiswillbedone！IamBaronessHulot，thesister-in-
lawofaMarshalofFrance。Ihavedonenothingwrong；mytwochildrenaresettledinlife；Icanwaitfordeath，wrappedinthespotlessveilofanimmaculatewifeandthecrapeofdepartedhappiness。”
AportraitofHulot，intheuniformofaCommissaryGeneraloftheImperialGuard，paintedin1810byRobertLefebvre，hungabovethework-table，andwhenvisitorswereannounced，Adelinethrewintoadraweran/ImitationofJesusChrist/，herhabitualstudy。ThisblamelessMagdalenthusheardtheVoiceoftheSpiritinherdesert。”Mariette，mychild，”saidLisbethtothewomanwhoopenedthedoor，”howismydearAdelineto-day？””Oh，shelooksprettywell，mademoiselle；butbetweenyouandme，ifshegoesoninthisway，shewillkillherself，”saidMarietteinawhisper。”Youreallyoughttopersuadehertolivebetter。Now，yesterdaymadametoldmetogivehertwosous’worthofmilkandarollforonesou；togetheraherringfordinnerandabitofcoldveal；shehadapoundcookedtolasthertheweek——ofcourse，forthedayswhenshedinesathomeandalone。Shewillnotspendmorethantensousadayforherfood。Itisunreasonable。IfIweretosayanythingaboutittoMonsieurleMarechal，hemightquarrelwithMonsieurleBaronandleavehimnothing，whereasyou，whoaresokindandclever，canmanagethings——””ButwhydoyounotapplytomycousintheBaron？”saidLisbeth。”Oh，dearmademoiselle，hehasnotbeenhereforthreeweeksormore；
infact，notsincewelasthadthepleasureofseeingyou！Besides，madamehasforbiddenme，underthreatofdismissal，evertoaskthemasterformoney。Butasforgrief！——oh，poorlady，shehasbeenveryunhappy。Itisthefirsttimethatmonsieurhasneglectedherforsolong。Everytimethebellrangsherushedtothewindow——butforthelastfivedaysshehassatstillinherchair。Shereads。WhenevershegoesouttoseeMadamelaComtesse，shesays，’Mariette，ifmonsieurcomesin，’saysshe，’tellhimIamathome，andsendtheportertofetchme；heshallbewellpaidforhistrouble。’””Poorsoul！”saidLisbeth；”itgoestomyheart。IspeakofhertotheBaroneveryday。WhatcanIdo？’Yes，’sayshe，’Betty，youareright；
Iamawretch。Mywifeisanangel，andIamamonster！Iwillgoto-morrow——’AndhestayswithMadameMarneffe。Thatwomanisruininghim，andheworshipsher；helivesonlyinhersight——IdowhatIcan；ifIwerenotthere，andifIhadnotMathurinetodependupon，hewouldspendtwiceasmuchashedoes；andashehashardlyanymoneyintheworld，hewouldhaveblownhisbrainsoutbythistime。And，Itellyou，Mariette，Adelinewoulddieofherhusband’sdeath，Iamperfectlycertain。Atanyrate，Ipulltomakebothendsmeet，andpreventmycousinfromthrowingtoomuchmoneyintothefire。””Yes，thatiswhatmadamesays，poorsoul！Sheknowshowmuchsheowesyou，”repliedMariette。”Shesaidshehadjudgedyouunjustlyformanyyears——””Indeed！”saidLisbeth。”Anddidshesayanythingelse？””No，mademoiselle。Ifyouwishtopleaseher，talktoheraboutMonsieurleBaron；sheenviesyouyourhappinessinseeinghimeveryday。””Isshealone？””Ibegpardon，no；theMarshaliswithher。Hecomeseveryday，andshealwaystellshimshesawmonsieurinthemorning，butthathecomesinverylateatnight。””Andisthereagooddinnerto-day？”
Mariettehesitated；shecouldnotmeetLisbeth’seye。Thedrawing-roomdooropened，andMarshalHulotrushedoutinsuchhastethathebowedtoLisbethwithoutlookingather，anddroppedapaper。Lisbethpickeditupandranafterhimdownstairs，foritwasvaintohailadeafman；butshemanagednottoovertaketheMarshal，andasshecameupagainshefurtivelyreadthefollowinglineswritteninpencil：——”MYDEARBROTHER，——Myhusbandhasgivenmethemoneyformyquarter’sexpenses；butmydaughterHortensewasinsuchneedofit，thatIlentherthewholesum，whichwasscarcelyenoughtosetherstraight。Couldyoulendmeafewhundredfrancs？ForI
cannotaskHectorformore；ifheweretoblameme，Icouldnotbearit。””Myword！”thoughtLisbeth，”shemustbeinextremitiestobendherpridetosuchadegree！”
Lisbethwentin。ShesawtearsinAdeline’seyes，andthrewherarmsroundherneck。”Adeline，mydearest，Iknowall，”criedCousinBetty。”Here，theMarshaldroppedthispaper——hewasinsuchastateofmind，andrunninglikeagreyhound——HasthatdreadfulHectorgivenyounomoneysince——？””Hegivesitmequiteregularly，”repliedtheBaroness，”butHortenseneededit，and——””Andyouhadnotenoughtopayfordinnerto-night，”saidLisbeth，interruptingher。”NowIunderstandwhyMariettelookedsoconfusedwhenIsaidsomethingaboutthesoup。Youreallyarechildish，Adeline；come，takemysavings。””Thankyou，mykindcousin，”saidAdeline，wipingawayatear。”Thislittledifficultyisonlytemporary，andIhaveprovidedforthefuture。Myexpenseshenceforthwillbenomorethantwothousandfourhundredfrancsayear，rentinclusive，andIshallhavethemoney——
Aboveall，Betty，notawordtoHector。Ishewell？””AsstrongasthePontNeuf，andasgayasalark；hethinksofnothingbuthischarmerValerie。”
MadameHulotlookedoutatatallsilver-firinfrontofthewindow，andLisbethcouldnotseehercousin’seyestoreadtheirexpression。”Didyoumentionthatitwasthedaywhenwealldinetogetherhere？””Yes。But，dearme！MadameMarneffeisgivingagranddinner；shehopestogetMonsieurCoquettoresign，andthatisofthefirstimportance——Now，Adeline，listentome。YouknowthatIamfiercelyproudastomyindependence。Yourhusband，mydear，willcertainlybringyoutoruin。IfanciedIcouldbeofusetoyouallbylivingnearthiswoman，butsheisacreatureofunfathomabledepravity，andshewillmakeyourhusbandpromisethingswhichwillbringyoualltodisgrace。”Adelinewrithedlikeapersonstabbedtotheheart。”MydearAdeline，IamsureofwhatIsay。Ifeelitismydutytoenlightenyou——Well，letusthinkofthefuture。TheMarshalisanoldman，buthewilllastalongtimeyet——hedrawsgoodpay；whenhedieshiswidowwouldhaveapensionofsixthousandfrancs。OnsuchanincomeIwouldundertaketomaintainyouall。Useyourinfluenceoverthegoodmantogethimtomarryme。ItisnotforthesakeofbeingMadamelaMarechale；IvaluesuchnonsenseatnomorethanIvalueMadameMarneffe’sconscience；butyouwillallhavebread。IseethatHortensemustbewantingit，sinceyougiveheryours。”
TheMarshalnowcamein；hehadmadesuchhaste，thathewasmoppinghisforeheadwithhisbandana。”IhavegivenMariettetwothousandfrancs，”hewhisperedtohissister-in-law。
Adelinecoloredtotherootsofherhair。Twotearshungonthefringesofthestilllonglashes，andshesilentlypressedtheoldman’shand；hisbeamingfaceexpressedthegleeofafavoredlover。”Iintendedtospendthemoneyinapresentforyou，Adeline，”saidhe。”Insteadofrepayingme，youmustchooseforyourselfthethingyouwouldlikebest。”
HetookLisbeth’shand，whichsheheldouttohim，andsobewilderedwashebyhissatisfaction，thathekissedit。”Thatlookspromising，”saidAdelinetoLisbeth，smilingsofarasshewasabletosmile。
TheyoungerHulotandhiswifenowcamein。”Ismybrothercomingtodinner？”askedtheMarshalsharply。
Adelinetookupapencilandwrotethesewordsonascrapofpaper：”Iexpecthim；hepromisedthismorningthathewouldbehere；butifheshouldnotcome，itwouldbebecausetheMarshalkepthim。Heisoverwhelmedwithbusiness。”
Andshehandedhimthepaper。ShehadinventedthiswayofconversingwithMarshalHulot，andkeptalittlecollectionofpaperscrapsandapencilathandonthework-table。”Iknow，”saidtheMarshal，”heisworkedveryhardoverthebusinessinAlgiers。”
Atthismoment，HortenseandWenceslasarrived，andtheBaroness，asshesawallherfamilyabouther，gavetheMarshalasignificantglanceunderstoodbynonebutLisbeth。
Happinesshadgreatlyimprovedtheartist，whowasadoredbyhiswifeandflatteredbytheworld。Hisfacehadbecomealmostround，andhisgracefulfiguredidjusticetotheadvantageswhichbloodgivestomenofbirth。Hisearlyfame，hisimportantposition，thedelusiveeulogiesthattheworldshedsonartistsaslightlyaswesay，”Howd’yedo？”ordiscusstheweather，gavehimthathighsenseofmeritwhichdegeneratesintosheerfatuitywhentalentwanes。TheCrossoftheLegionofHonorwasthecrowningstampofthegreatmanhebelievedhimselftobe。
Afterthreeyearsofmarriedlife，Hortensewastoherhusbandwhatadogistoitsmaster；shewatchedhiseverymovementwithalookthatseemedaconstantinquiry，hereyeswerealwaysonhim，likethoseofamiseronhistreasure；heradmiringabnegationwasquitepathetic。
Inhermightbeseenhermother’sspiritandteaching。Herbeauty，asgreatasever，waspoeticallytouchedbythegentleshadowofconcealedmelancholy。
OnseeingHortensecomein，itstruckLisbeththatsomelong-
suppressedcomplaintwasabouttobreakthroughthethinveilofreticence。Lisbeth，fromthefirstdaysofthehoneymoon，hadbeensurethatthiscouplehadtoosmallanincomeforsogreatapassion。
Hortense，assheembracedhermother，exchangedwithherafewwhisperedphrases，hearttoheart，ofwhichthemysterywasbetrayedtoLisbethbycertainshakesofthehead。”Adeline，likeme，mustworkforherliving，”thoughtCousinBetty。”Sheshallbemadetotellmewhatshewilldo！Thoseprettyfingerswillknowatlast，likemine，whatitistoworkbecausetheymust。”
Atsixo’clockthefamilypartywentintodinner。AplacewaslaidforHector。”Leaveitso，”saidtheBaronesstoMariette，”monsieursometimescomesinlate。””Oh，myfatherwillcertainlycome，”saidVictorintohismother。”HepromisedmehewouldwhenwepartedattheChamber。”
Lisbeth，likeaspiderinthemiddleofitsnet，gloatedoverallthesecountenances。HavingknownVictorinandHortensefromtheirbirth，theirfacesweretoherlikepanesofglass，throughwhichshecouldreadtheiryoungsouls。Now，fromcertainstolenlooksdirectedbyVictorinonhismother，shesawthatsomedisasterwashangingoverAdelinewhichVictorinhesitatedtoreveal。Thefamousyounglawyerhadsomecovertanxiety。Hisdeepreverenceforhismotherwasevidentintheregretwithwhichhegazedather。
Hortensewasevidentlyabsorbedinherownwoes；forafortnightpast，asLisbethknew，shehadbeensufferingthefirstuneasinesswhichwantofmoneybringstohonestsouls，andtoyoungwivesonwhomlifehashithertosmiled，andwhoconcealtheiralarms。AlsoLisbethhadimmediatelyguessedthathermotherhadgivenhernomoney。Adeline’sdelicacyhadbroughthersolowastousethefallaciousexcusesthatnecessitysuggeststoborrowers。
Hortense’sabsenceofmind，withherbrother’sandtheBaroness’deepdejection，madethedinneramelancholymeal，especiallywiththeaddedchilloftheMarshal’sutterdeafness。Threepersonsgavealittlelifetothescene：Lisbeth，Celestine，andWenceslas。
Hortense’saffectionhaddevelopedtheartist’snaturallivelinessasaPole，thesomewhatswaggeringvivacityandnoisyhighspiritsthatcharacterizetheseFrenchmenoftheNorth。Hisframeofmindandtheexpressionofhisfaceshowedplainlythathebelievedinhimself，andthatpoorHortense，faithfultohermother’straining，keptalldomesticdifficultiestoherself。”Youmustbecontent，atanyrate，”saidLisbethtoheryoungcousin，astheyrosefromtable，”sinceyourmotherhashelpedyouwithhermoney。””Mamma！”repliedHortenseinastonishment。”Oh，poormamma！Itisformethatshewouldliketomakemoney。Youdonotknow，Lisbeth，butI
haveahorriblesuspicionthatsheworksforitinsecret。”
Theywerecrossingthelarge，darkdrawing-roomwheretherewerenocandles，allfollowingMariette，whowascarryingthelampintoAdeline’sbedroom。AtthisinstantVictorinjusttouchedLisbethandHortenseonthearm。Thetwowomen，understandingthehint，leftWenceslas，Celestine，theMarshal，andtheBaronesstogoontogether，andremainedstandinginawindow-bay。”Whatisit，Victorin？”saidLisbeth。”Somedisastercausedbyyourfather，Idarewager。””Yes，alas！”repliedVictorin。”Amoney-lendernamedVauvinethasbillsofmyfather’stotheamountofsixtythousandfrancs，andwantstoprosecute。ItriedtospeakofthemattertomyfatherattheChamber，buthewouldnotunderstandme；healmostavoidedme。Hadwebettertellmymother？””No，no，”saidLisbeth，”shehastoomanytroubles；itwouldbeadeath-blow；youmustspareher。Youhavenoideahowlowshehasfallen。Butforyouruncle，youwouldhavefoundnodinnerherethisevening。””DearHeaven！Victorin，whatwretchesweare！”saidHortensetoherbrother。”WeoughttohaveguessedwhatLisbethhastoldus。Mydinnerischokingme！”
Hortensecouldsaynomore；shecoveredhermouthwithherhandkerchieftosmotherasob，andmeltedintotears。”ItoldthefellowVauvinettocallonmeto-morrow，”repliedVictorin，”butwillhebesatisfiedbymyguaranteeonamortgage？I
doubtit。Thosemeninsistonreadymoneytosweatothersonusuriousterms。””Letusselloutofthefunds！”saidLisbethtoHortense。”Whatgoodwouldthatdo？”repliedVictorin。”Itwouldbringfifteenorsixteenthousandfrancs，andwewantsixtythousand。””Dearcousin！”criedHortense，embracingLisbethwiththeenthusiasmofguilelessness。”No，Lisbeth，keepyourlittlefortune，”saidVictorin，pressingtheoldmaid’shand。”Ishallseeto-morrowwhatthismanwouldbeupto。
Withmywife’sconsent，Icanatleasthinderorpostponetheprosecution——foritwouldreallybefrightfultoseemyfather’shonorimpugned。WhatwouldtheWarMinistersay？Myfather’ssalary，whichhepledgedforthreeyears，willnotbereleasedbeforethemonthofDecember，sowecannotofferthatasaguarantee。ThisVauvinethasrenewedthebillseleventimes；soyoumayimaginewhatmyfathermustpayininterest。Wemustclosethispit。””IfonlyMadameMarneffewouldthrowhimover！”saidHortensebitterly。”Heavenforbid！”exclaimedVictorin。”Hewouldtakeupsomeoneelse；
andwithher，atanyrate，theworstoutlayisover。”
Whatachangeinchildrenformerlysorespectful，andkeptsolongbytheirmotherinblindworshipoftheirfather！Theyknewhimnowforwhathewas。”Butforme，”saidLisbeth，”yourfather’sruinwouldbemorecompletethanitis。””Comeintomamma，”saidHortense；”sheisverysharp，andwillsuspectsomething；asourkindLisbethsays，letuskeepeverythingfromher——letusbecheerful。””Victorin，”saidLisbeth，”youhavenonotionofwhatyourfatherwillbebroughttobyhispassionforwomen。TrytosecuresomefutureresourcebygettingtheMarshaltomarryme。Saysomethingaboutitthisevening；Iwillleaveearlyonpurpose。”
Victorinwentintothebedroom。”Andyou，poorlittlething！”saidLisbethinanundertonetoHortense，”whatcanyoudo？””Cometodinnerwithusto-morrow，andwewilltalkitover，”answeredHortense。”Idonotknowwhichwaytoturn；youknowhowhardlifeis，andyouwilladviseme。”
WhilethewholefamilywithoneconsenttriedtopersuadetheMarshaltomarry，andwhileLisbethwasmakingherwayhometotheRueVanneau，oneofthoseincidentsoccurredwhich，insuchwomenasMadameMarneffe，areastimulustovicebycompellingthemtoexerttheirenergyandeveryresourceofdepravity。Onefact，atanyrate，musthoweverbeacknowledged：lifeinParisistoofullforviciouspersonstodowronginstinctivelyandunprovoked；viceisonlyaweaponofdefenceagainstaggressors——thatisall。
MadameMarneffe’sdrawing-roomwasfullofherfaithfuladmirers，andshehadjuststartedthewhist-tables，whenthefootman，apensionedsoldierrecruitedbytheBaron，announced：”MonsieurleBaronMontesdeMontejanos。”
Valerie’sheartjumped，butshehurriedtothedoor，exclaiming：”Mycousin！”andasshemettheBrazilian，shewhispered：”Youaremyrelation——orallisatanendbetweenus！——Andsoyouwerenotwrecked，Henri？”shewentonaudibly，assheledhimtothefire。”Iheardyouwerelost，andhavemournedforyouthesethreeyears。””Howareyou，mygoodfellow？”saidMarneffe，offeringhishandtothestranger，whoseget-upwasindeedthatofaBrazilianandamillionaire。
MonsieurleBaronHenriMontesdeMontejanos，towhomtheclimateoftheequatorhadgiventhecolorandstatureweexpecttoseeinOthelloonthestage，hadanalarminglookofgloom，butitwasamerelypictorialillusion；for，sweetandaffectionatebynature，hewaspredestinedtobethevictimthatastrongmanoftenistoaweakwoman。Thescornexpressedinhiscountenance，themuscularstrengthofhisstalwartframe，allhisphysicalpowerswereshownonlytohisfellow-men；aformofflatterywhichwomenappreciate，nay，whichsointoxicatesthem，thateverymanwithhismistressonhisarmassumesamatadorswaggerthatprovokesasmile。Verywellsetup，inacloselyfittingbluecoatwithsolidgoldbuttons，inblacktrousers，spotlesspatenteveningboots，andglovesofafashionablehue，theonlyBraziliantouchintheBaron’scostumewasalargediamond，worthaboutahundredthousandfrancs，whichblazedlikeastaronahandsomebluesilkcravat，tuckedintoawhitewaistcoatinsuchawayastoshowcornersofafabulouslyfineshirtfront。
Hisbrow，bossylikethatofasatyr，asignoftenacityinhispassions，wascrownedbythickjet-blackhairlikeavirginforest，andunderitflashedapairofhazeleyes，sowildlookingastosuggestthatbeforehisbirthhismothermusthavebeenscaredbyajaguar。
ThisfinespecimenofthePortugueseraceinBraziltookhisstandwithhisbacktothefire，inanattitudethatshowedfamiliaritywithParismanners；holdinghishatinonehand，hiselbowrestingonthevelvet-coveredshelf，hebentoverMadameMarneffe，talkingtoherinanundertone，andtroublinghimselfverylittleaboutthedreadfulpeoplewho，inhisopinion，weresoverymuchintheway。
Thisfashionoftakingthestage，withtheBrazilian’sattitudeandexpression，gave，aliketoCrevelandtothebaron，anidenticalshockofcuriosityandanxiety。Bothwerestruckbythesameimpressionandthesamesurmise。Andthemanoeuvresuggestedineachbytheirverygenuinepassionwassocomicalinitssimultaneousresults，thatitmadeeverybodysmilewhowassharpenoughtoreaditsmeaning。Crevel，atradesmanandshopkeepertothebackbone，thoughamayorofParis，unluckily，wasalittleslowertomovethanhisrivalpartner，andthisenabledtheBarontoreadataglanceCrevel’sinvoluntaryself-
betrayal。Thiswasafresharrowtorankleintheveryamorousoldman’sheart，andheresolvedtohaveanexplanationfromValerie。”Thisevening，”saidCreveltohimselftoo，ashesortedhishand，”I
mustknowwhereIstand。””Youhaveaheart！”criedMarneffe。”Youhavejustrevoked。””Ibegyourpardon，”saidCrevel，tryingtowithdrawhiscard——”ThisBaronseemstomeverymuchintheway，”hewenton，thinkingtohimself。”IfValeriecarriesonwithmyBaron，wellandgood——itisameanstomyrevenge，andIcangetridofhimifIchoose；butasforthiscousin！——HeisoneBarontoomany；Idonotmeantobemadeafoolof。Iwillknowhowtheyarerelated。”
Thatevening，byoneofthosestrokesofluckwhichcometoprettywomen，Valeriewascharminglydressed。Herwhitebosomgleamedunderalacetuckerofrustywhite，whichshowedoffthesatintextureofherbeautifulshoulders——forParisianwomen，Heavenknowshow，havesomewayofpreservingtheirfinefleshandremainingslender。Sheworeablackvelvetgownthatlookedasifitmightatanymomentslipoffhershoulders，andherhairwasdressedwithlaceanddroopingflowers。Herarms，notfatbutdimpled，weregracedbydeeprufflestohersleeves。Shewaslikealusciousfruitcoquettishlyservedinahandsomedish，andmakingtheknife-bladelongtobecuttingit。”Valerie，”theBrazilianwassayinginherear，”Ihavecomebackfaithfultoyou。Myuncleisdead；IamtwiceasrichasIwaswhenI
wentaway。ImeantoliveanddieinParis，foryouandwithyou。””Lower，Henri，Iimploreyou——””Pooh！Imeantospeaktoyouthisevening，evenifIshouldhavetopitchallthesecreaturesoutofwindow，especiallyasIhavelosttwodaysinlookingforyou。Ishallstaytillthelast——Ican，I
suppose？”
Valeriesmiledatheradoptedcousin，andsaid：”Rememberthatyouarethesonofmymother’ssister，whomarriedyourfatherduringJunot’scampaigninPortugal。””What，I，MontesdeMontejanos，greatgrandsonofaconquererofBrazil！Tellalie？””Hush，lower，orweshallnevermeetagain。””Pray，why？””Marneffe，likealldyingwretches，whoalwaystakeupsomelastwhim，hasarevivedpassionforme——””Thatcur？”saidtheBrazilian，whoknewhisMarneffe；”Iwillsettlehim！””Whatviolence！””Andwheredidyougetallthissplendor？”theBrazilianwenton，juststruckbythemagnificenceoftheapartment。
Shebegantolaugh。”Henri！whatbadtaste！”saidshe。
Shehadfelttwoburningflashesofjealousywhichhadmovedhersofarastomakeherlookatthetwosoulsinpurgatory。Crevel，playingagainstBaronHulotandMonsieurCoquet，hadMarneffeforhispartner。
Thegamewaseven，becauseCrevelandtheBaronwereequallyabsent-
minded，andmadeblunderafterblunder。Thus，inoneinstant，theoldmenbothconfessedthepassionwhichValeriehadpersuadedthemtokeepsecretforthepastthreeyears；butshetoohadfailedtohidethejoyinhereyesatseeingthemanwhohadfirsttaughtherhearttobeat，theobjectofherfirstlove。Therightsofsuchhappymortalssurviveaslongasthewomanlivesoverwhomtheyhaveacquiredthem。
Withthesethreepassionsatherside——onesupportedbytheinsolenceofwealth，thesecondbytheclaimsofpossession，andthethirdbyyouth，strength，fortune，andpriority——MadameMarneffepreservedhercoolnessandpresenceofmind，likeGeneralBonapartewhen，atthesiegeofMantua，hehadtofighttwoarmies，andatthesametimemaintaintheblockade。
Jealousy，distortingHulot’sface，madehimlookasterribleasthelateMarshalMontcornetleadingacavalrychargeagainstaRussiansquare。Beingsuchahandsomeman，hehadneverknownanygroundforjealousy，anymorethanMuratknewwhatitwastobeafraid。Hehadalwaysfeltsurethatheshouldtriumph。HisrebuffbyJosepha，thefirsthehadevermet，heascribedtoherloveofmoney；”hewasconqueredbymillions，andnotbyachangeling，”hewouldsaywhenspeakingoftheDucd’Herouville。Andnow，inoneinstant，thepoisonanddeliriumthatthemadpassionshedsinafloodhadrushedtohisheart。Hekeptturningfromthewhist-tabletowardsthefireplacewithanaction/ala/Mirabeau；andashelaiddownhiscardstocastachallengingglanceattheBrazilianandValerie，therestofthecompanyfeltthesortofalarmmingledwithcuriositythatiscausedbyevidentviolencereadytobreakoutatanymoment。TheshamcousinstaredatHulotashemighthavelookedatsomebigChinamandarin。
Thisstateofthingscouldnotlast；itwasboundtoendinsometremendousoutbreak。MarneffewasasmuchafraidofHulotasCrevelwasofMarneffe，forhewasanxiousnottodieamereclerk。Menmarkedfordeathbelieveinlifeasgalley-slavesbelieveinliberty；
thismanwasbentonbeingafirst-classclerkatanycost。ThoroughlyfrightenedbythepantomimeoftheBaronandCrevel，herose，saidafewwordsinhiswife’sear，andthen，tothesurpriseofall，ValeriewentintotheadjoiningbedroomwiththeBrazilianandherhusband。”DidMadameMarneffeeverspeaktoyouofthiscousinofhers？”saidCreveltoHulot。”Never！”repliedtheBaron，gettingup。”Thatisenoughforthisevening，”saidhe。”Ihavelosttwolouis——theretheyare。”
Hethrewthetwogoldpiecesonthetable，andseatedhimselfonthesofawithalookwhicheverybodyelsetookasahinttogo。MonsieurandMadameCoquet，afterexchangingafewwords，lefttheroom，andClaudeVignon，indespair，followedtheirexample。Thesetwodepartureswereahinttolessintelligentpersons，whonowfoundthattheywerenotwanted。TheBaronandCrevelwerelefttogether，andspokeneveraword。Hulot，atlast，ignoringCrevel，wentontiptoetolistenatthebedroomdoor；butheboundedbackwithaprodigiousjump，forMarneffeopenedthedoorandappearedwithacalmface，astonishedtofindonlythetwomen。”Andthetea？”saidhe。”WhereisValerie？”repliedtheBaroninarage。”Mywife，”saidMarneffe。”Sheisgoneupstairstospeaktomademoiselleyourcousin。Shewillcomedowndirectly。””Andwhyhasshedesertedusforthatstupidcreature？””Well，”saidMarneffe，”MademoiselleLisbethcamebackfromdiningwiththeBaronesswithanattackofindigestionandMathurineaskedValerieforsometeaforher，somywifewentuptoseewhatwasthematter。””And/her/cousin？””Heisgone。””Doyoureallybelievethat？”saidtheBaron。”Ihaveseenhimtohiscarriage，”repliedMarneffe，withahideoussmirk。
Thewheelsofadepartingcarriagewereaudibleinthestreet。TheBaron，countingMarneffefornothing，wentupstairstoLisbeth。Anideaflashedthroughhimsuchastheheartsendstothebrainwhenitisonfirewithjealousy。Marneffe’sbasenesswassowellknowntohim，thathecouldimaginethemostdegradingconnivancebetweenhusbandandwife。”Whathasbecomeofalltheladiesandgentlemen？”saidMarneffe，findinghimselfalonewithCrevel。”Whenthesungoestobed，thecocksandhensfollowsuit，”saidCrevel。”MadameMarneffedisappeared，andheradorersdeparted。Willyouplayagameofpiquet？”addedCrevel，whomeanttoremain。
HetoobelievedthattheBrazilianwasinthehouse。
MonsieurMarneffeagreed。TheMayorwasamatchfortheBaron。Simplybyplayingcardswiththehusbandhecouldstayonindefinitely；andMarneffe，sincethesuppressionofthepublictables，wasquitesatisfiedwiththemorelimitedopportunitiesofprivateplay。
BaronHulotwentquicklyuptoLisbeth’sapartment，butthedoorwaslocked，andtheusualinquiriesthroughthedoortookuptimeenoughtoenablethetwolight-handedandcunningwomentoarrangethesceneofanattackofindigestionwiththeaccessoriesoftea。LisbethwasinsuchpainthatValeriewasverymuchalarmed，andconsequentlyhardlypaidanyheedtotheBaron’sfuriousentrance。Indispositionisoneofthescreensmostoftenplacedbywomentowardoffaquarrel。
Hulotpeepedabout，hereandthere，butcouldseenospotinCousinBetty’sroomwhereaBrazilianmightliehidden。”Yourindigestiondoeshonortomywife’sdinner，Lisbeth，”saidhe，scrutinizingher，forLisbethwasperfectlywell，tryingtoimitatethehiccoughofspasmodicindigestionasshedrankhertea。”HowluckyitisthatdearBettyshouldbelivingundermyroof！”saidMadameMarneffe。”Butforme，thepoorthingwouldhavedied。””Youlookasifyouonlyhalfbelievedit，”addedLisbeth，turningtotheBaron，”andthatwouldbeashame——””Why？”askedtheBaron。”Doyouknowthepurposeofmyvisit？”
Andheleeredatthedoorofadressing-closetfromwhichthekeyhadbeenwithdrawn。”AreyoutalkingGreek？”saidMadameMarneffe，withanappealinglookofmisprizedtendernessanddevotedness。”Butitisallthroughyou，mydearcousin；yes，itisyourdoingthatIaminsuchastate，”saidLisbethvehemently。
ThisspeechdivertedtheBaron’sattention；helookedattheoldmaidwiththegreatestastonishment。”YouknowthatIamdevotedtoyou，”saidLisbeth。”Iamhere，thatsayseverything。Iamwearingoutthelastshredsofmystrengthinwatchingoveryourinterests，sincetheyareonewithourdearValerie’s。Herhousecostsone-tenthofwhatanyotherdoesthatiskeptonthesamescale。Butforme，Cousin，insteadoftwothousandfrancsamonth，youwouldbeobligedtospendthreeorfourthousand。””Iknowallthat，”repliedtheBaronoutofpatience；”youareourprotectressinmanyways，”headded，turningtoMadameMarneffeandputtinghisarmroundherneck——”Isnotshe，myprettysweet？””Onmyhonor，”exclaimedValerie，”Ibelieveyouaregonemad！””Well，youcannotdoubtmyattachment，”saidLisbeth。”ButIamalsoveryfondofmycousinAdeline，andIfoundherintears。Shehasnotseenyouforamonth。Nowthatisreallytoobad；youleavemypoorAdelinewithoutasou。YourdaughterHortensealmostdiedofitwhenshewastoldthatitisthankstoyourbrotherthatwehadanydinneratall。Therewasnotevenbreadinyourhousethisday。”Adelineisheroicallyresolvedtokeephersufferingstoherself。Shesaidtome，’Iwilldoasyouhavedone！’Thespeechwenttomyheart；
andafterdinner，asIthoughtofwhatmycousinhadbeenin1811，andofwhatsheisin1841——thirtyyearsafter——Ihadaviolentindigestion——IfanciedIshouldgetoverit；butwhenIgothome，I
thoughtIwasdying——””Yousee，Valerie，towhatmyadorationofyouhasbroughtme！Tocrime——domesticcrime！””Oh！Iwaswisenevertomarry！”criedLisbeth，withsavagejoy。”Youareakind，goodman；Adelineisaperfectangel；——andthisistherewardofherblinddevotion。””Anelderlyangel！”saidMadameMarneffesoftly，asshelookedhalftenderly，halfmockingly，atherHector，whowasgazingatherasanexaminingjudgegazesattheaccused。”Mypoorwife！”saidHulot。”FormorethanninemonthsIhavegivenhernomoney，thoughIfinditforyou，Valerie；butatwhatacost！
Nooneelsewilleverloveyouso，andwhattormentsyouinflictonmeinreturn！””Torments？”sheechoed。”Thenwhatdoyoucallhappiness？””Idonotyetknowonwhattermsyouhavebeenwiththisso-calledcousinwhomyounevermentionedtome，”saidtheBaron，payingnoheedtoValerie’sinterjection。”ButwhenhecameinIfeltasifapenknifehadbeenstuckintomyheart。BlindedImaybe，butIamnotblind。Icouldreadhiseyes，andyours。Inshort，fromunderthatape’seyelidsthereflashedsparksthatheflungatyou——andyoureyes！——Oh！youhaveneverlookedatmeso，never！Astothismystery，Valerie，itshallallbeclearedup。Youaretheonlywomanwhoevermademeknowthemeaningofjealousy，soyouneednotbesurprisedbywhatIsay——Butanothermysterywhichhasrentitscloud，anditseemstomeinfamous——””Goon，goon，”saidValerie。”ItisthatCrevel，thatsquarelumpoffleshandstupidity，isinlovewithyou，andthatyouaccepthisattentionswithsogoodagracethattheidiotflauntshispassionbeforeeverybody。””Onlythree！Canyoudiscovernomore？”askedMadameMarneffe。”Theremaybemore！”retortedtheBaron。”IfMonsieurCrevelisinlovewithme，heisinhisrightsasamanafterall；ifIfavoredhispassion，thatwouldindeedbetheactofacoquette，orofawomanwhowouldleavemuchtobedesiredonyourpart——Well，lovemeasyoufindme，orletmealone。Ifyourestoremetofreedom，neitheryounorMonsieurCrevelwilleverentermydoorsagain。ButIwilltakeupwithmycousin，justtokeepmyhandin，inthosecharminghabitsyousupposemetoindulge——Good-bye，MonsieurleBaronHulot。”
Sherose，buttheBarontookherbythearmandmadehersitdownagain。TheoldmancouldnotdowithoutValerie。Shehadbecomemoreimperativelyindispensabletohimthanthenecessariesoflife；hepreferredremaininginuncertaintytohavinganyproofofValerie’sinfidelity。”MydearestValerie，”saidhe，”doyounotseehowmiserableIam？I
onlyaskyoutojustifyyourself。Givemesufficientreasons——””Well，godownstairsandwaitforme；forIsupposeyoudonotwishtolookonatthevariousceremoniesrequiredbyyourcousin’sstate。”
Hulotslowlyturnedaway”Youoldprofligate，”criedLisbeth，”youhavenotevenaskedmehowyourchildrenare？WhatareyougoingtodoforAdeline？I，atanyrate，willtakehermysavingsto-morrow。””Youoweyourwifewhitebreadtoeatatleast，”saidMadameMarneffe，smiling。
TheBaron，withouttakingoffenceatLisbeth’stone，asdespoticasJosepha’s，gotoutoftheroom，onlytoogladtoescapesoimportunateaquestion。
Thedoorboltedoncemore，theBraziliancameoutofthedressing-
closet，wherehehadbeenwaiting，andheappearedwithhiseyesfulloftears，inareallypitiablecondition。Monteshadheardeverything。”Henri，youmusthaveceasedtoloveme，Iknowit！”saidMadameMarneffe，hidingherfaceinherhandkerchiefandburstingintotears。
Itwastheoutcryofrealaffection。Thecryofawoman’sdespairissoconvincingthatitwinstheforgivenessthatlurksatthebottomofeverylover’sheart——whensheisyoungandpretty，andwearsagownsolowthatshecouldslipoutatthetopandstandinthegarbofEve。”Butwhy，ifyouloveme，doyounotleaveeverythingformysake？”
askedtheBrazilian。
ThisSouthAmericanborn，beinglogical，asmenarewhohavelivedthelifeofnature，atonceresumedtheconversationatthepointwhereithadbeenbrokenoff，puttinghisarmroundValerie’swaist。”Why？”sherepeated，gazingupatHenri，whomshesubjugatedatoncebyalookchargedwithpassion，”why，mydearboy，Iammarried；weareinParis，notinthesavannah，thepampas，thebackwoodsofAmerica——MydearHenri，myfirstandonlylove，listentome。Thathusbandofmine，asecondclerkintheWarOffice，isbentonbeingahead-clerkandofficeroftheLegionofHonor；canIhelphisbeingambitious？Nowfortheveryreasonthatmadehimleaveusourliberty——nearlyfouryearsago，doyouremember，youbadboy？——henowabandonsmetoMonsieurHulot。Icannotgetridofthatdreadfulofficial，whosnortslikeagrampus，whohasfinsinhisnostrils，whoissixty-threeyearsold，andwhohadgrowntenyearsolderbydintoftryingtobeyoung；whoissoodioustomethattheverydaywhenMarneffeispromoted，andgetshisCrossoftheLegionofHonor——””Howmuchmorewillyourhusbandgetthen？””Athousandcrowns。””Iwillpayhimasmuchinanannuity，”saidBaronMontes。”WewillleaveParisandgo——””Where？”saidValerie，withoneoftheprettysneersbywhichawomanmakesfunofamansheissureof。”Parisistheonlyplacewherewecanlivehappy。Icaretoomuchforyourlovetoriskseeingitdieoutina/tete-a-tete/inthewilderness。Listen，Henri，youaretheonlymanIcareforinthewholeworld。Writethatdownclearlyinyourtiger’sbrain。”
Forwomen，whentheyhavemadeasheepofaman，alwaystellhimthatheisalionwithawillofiron。”Now，attendtome。MonsieurMarneffehasnotfiveyearstolive；heisrottentothemarrowofhisbones。Hespendssevenmonthsofthetwelveinswallowingdrugsanddecoctions；heliveswrappedinflannel；inshort，asthedoctorsays，helivesunderthescythe，andmaybecutoffatanymoment。Anillnessthatwouldnotharmanothermanwouldbefataltohim；hisbloodiscorrupt，hislifeunderminedattheroot。ForfiveyearsIhaveneverallowedhimtokissme——heispoisonous！Someday，andthedayisnotfaroff，Ishallbeawidow。
Well，then，I——whohavealreadyhadanofferfromamanwithsixtythousandfrancsayear，IwhoamascompletelymistressofthatmanasIamofthislumpofsugar——IsweartoyouthatifyouwereaspoorasHulotandasfoulasMarneffe，ifyoubeatmeeven，stillyouaretheonlymanIwillhaveforahusband，theonlymanIlove，orwhosenameIwilleverbear。AndIamreadytogiveanypledgeofmylovethatyoumayrequire。””Well，then，to-night——””Butyou，sonoftheSouth，mysplendidjaguar，comeexpresslyformefromthevirginforestofBrazil，”saidshe，takinghishandandkissingandfondlingit，”Ihavesomeconsiderationforthepoorcreatureyoumeantomakeyourwife——ShallIbeyourwife，Henri？””Yes，”saidtheBrazilian，overpoweredbythisunbridledvolubilityofpassion。Andhekneltatherfeet。”Well，then，Henri，”saidValerie，takinghistwohandsandlookingstraightintohiseyes，”sweartomenow，inthepresenceofLisbeth，mybestandonlyfriend，mysister——thatyouwillmakemeyourwifeattheendofmyyear’swidowhood。””Iswearit。””Thatisnotenough。Swearbyyourmother’sashesandeternalsalvation，swearbytheVirginMaryandbyallyourhopesasaCatholic！”
ValerieknewthattheBrazilianwouldkeepthatoathevenifsheshouldhavefallenintothefoulestsocialslough。
TheBaronsolemnlysworeit，hisnosealmosttouchingValerie’swhitebosom，andhiseyesspellbound。Hewasdrunk，drunkasamaniswhenheseesthewomanhelovesoncemore，afteraseavoyageofahundredandtwentydays。”Good。Nowbequiteeasy。AndinMadameMarnefferespectthefutureBaronessdeMontejanos。Youarenottospendasouuponme；Iforbidit——Stayhereintheouterroom；sleeponthesofa。Imyselfwillcomeandtellyouwhenyoumaymove——Wewillbreakfastto-morrowmorning，andyoucanbeleavingataboutoneo’clockasifyouhadcometocallatnoon。Thereisnothingtofear；thegate-keeperslovemeasmuchasiftheyweremyfatherandmother——NowImustgodownandmaketea。”
ShebeckonedtoLisbeth，whofollowedheroutontothelanding。ThereValeriewhisperedintheoldmaid’sear：”Mydarkiehascomebacktoosoon。IshalldieifIcannotavengeyouonHortense！””Makeyourmindeasy，myprettylittledevil！”saidLisbeth，kissingherforehead。”LoveandRevengeonthesametrackwillneverlosethegame。Hortenseexpectsmeto-morrow；sheisinbeggary。ForathousandfrancsyoumayhaveathousandkissesfromWenceslas。”
OnleavingValerie，Hulothadgonedowntotheporter’slodgeandmadeasuddeninvasionthere。”MadameOlivier？”
Onhearingtheimperioustoneofthisaddress，andseeingtheactionbywhichtheBaronemphasizedit，MadameOliviercameoutintothecourtyardasfarastheBaronledher。”Youknowthatifanyonecanhelpyoursontoaconnectionbyandby，itisI；itisowingtomethatheisalreadythirdclerkinanotary’soffice，andisfinishinghisstudies。””Yes，MonsieurleBaron；andindeed，sir，youmaydependonourgratitude。NotadaypassesthatIdonotpraytoGodforMonsieurleBaron’shappiness。””Notsomanywords，mygoodwoman，”saidHulot，”butdeeds——””WhatcanIdo，sir？”askedMadameOlivier。”Amancamehereto-nightinacarriage。Doyouknowhim？”
MadameOlivierhadrecognizedMonteswellenough。Howcouldshehaveforgottenhim？IntheRueduDoyennetheBrazilianhadalwaysslippedafive-francpieceintoherhandashewentoutinthemorning，rathertooearly。IftheBaronhadappliedtoMonsieurOlivier，hewouldperhapshavelearnedallhewantedtoknow。ButOlivierwasinbed。Inthelowerordersthewomanisnotmerelythesuperioroftheman——shealmostalwayshastheupperhand。MadameOlivierhadlongsincemadeuphermindastowhichsidetotakeincaseofacollisionbetweenhertwobenefactors；sheregardedMadameMarneffeasthestrongerpower。”DoIknowhim？”sherepeated。”No，indeed，no。Ineversawhimbefore！””What！DidMadameMarneffe’scousinnevergotoseeherwhenshewaslivingintheRueduDoyenne？””Oh！Wasithercousin？”criedMadameOlivier。”Idaresayhedidcome，butIdidnotknowhimagain。Nexttime，sir，Iwilllookathim——””Hewillbecomingout，”saidHulot，hastilyinterruptingMadameOlivier。”Hehasleft，”saidMadameOlivier，understandingthesituation。”Thecarriageisgone。””Didyouseehimgo？””AsplainlyasIseeyou。HetoldhisservanttodrivetotheEmbassy。”
ThisaudaciousstatementwrungasighofrelieffromtheBaron；hetookMadameOlivier’shandandsqueezedit。”Thankyou，mygoodMadameOlivier。Butthatisnotall——MonsieurCrevel？””MonsieurCrevel？Whatcanyoumean，sir？Idonotunderstand，”saidMadameOlivier。”Listentome。HeisMadameMarneffe’slover——””Impossible，MonsieurleBaron；impossible，”saidshe，claspingherhands。”HeisMadameMarneffe’slover，”theBaronrepeatedverypositively。”Howdotheymanageit？Idon’tknow；butImeantoknow，andyouaretofindout。Ifyoucanputmeonthetracksofthisintrigue，yoursonisanotary。””Don’tyoufretyourselfso，MonsieurleBaron，”saidMadameOlivier。”Madamecaresforyou，andfornoonebutyou；hermaidknowsthatfortrue，andwesay，betweenherandme，thatyouaretheluckiestmaninthisworld——foryouknowwhatmadameis——Justperfection！”Shegetsupatteneverymorning；thenshebreakfasts。Wellandgood。
Afterthatshetakesanhourorsotodress；thatcarriesherontilltwo；thenshegoesforawalkintheTuileriesinthesightofallmen，andsheisalwaysinbyfourtobereadyforyou。Sheliveslikeclockwork。Shekeepsnosecretsfromhermaid，andReinekeepsnothingfromme，youmaybesure。Reinecan’tifshewould——alongofmyson，forsheisverysweetuponhim。So，yousee，ifmadamehadanyintimacywithMonsieurCrevel，weshouldbeboundtoknowit。”
TheBaronwentupstairsagainwithabeamingcountenance，convincedthathewastheonlymanintheworldtothatshamelessslut，astreacherous，butaslovelyandasengagingasasiren。
CrevelandMarneffehadbegunasecondrubberatpiquet。Crevelwaslosing，asamanmustwhoisnotgivinghisthoughtstohisgame。
Marneffe，whoknewthecauseoftheMayor’sabsenceofmind，tookunscrupulousadvantageofit；helookedatthecardsinreverse，anddiscardedaccordingly；thus，knowinghisadversary’shand，heplayedtobeathim。Thestakebeingafrancapoint，hehadalreadyrobbedtheMayorofthirtyfrancswhenHulotcamein。”Heyday！”saidhe，amazedtofindnocompany。”Areyoualone？Whereiseverybodygone？””Yourpleasanttemperputthemalltoflight，”saidCrevel。”No，itwasmywife’scousin，”repliedMarneffe。”TheladiesandgentlemensupposedthatValerieandHenrimighthavesomethingtosaytoeachotherafterthreeyears’separation，andtheyverydiscreetlyretired——IfIhadbeenintheroom，Iwouldhavekeptthem；butthen，asithappens，itwouldhavebeenamistake，forLisbeth，whoalwayscomesdowntomaketeaathalf-pastten，wastakenill，andthatupseteverything——””ThenisLisbethreallyunwell？”askedCrevelinafury。”SoIwastold，”repliedMarneffe，withtheheartlessindifferenceofamantowhomwomenhaveceasedtoexist。
TheMayorlookedattheclock；and，calculatingthetime，theBaronseemedtohavespentfortyminutesinLisbeth’srooms。Hector’sjubilantexpressionseriouslyincriminatedValerie，Lisbeth，andhimself。”Ihavejustseenher；sheisingreatpain，poorsoul！”saidtheBaron。”Thenthesufferingsofothersmustaffordyoumuchjoy，myfriend，”
retortedCrevelwithacrimony，”foryouhavecomedownwithafacethatispositivelybeaming。IsLisbethlikelytodie？Foryourdaughter，theysay，isherheiress。Youarenotlikethesameman。YouleftthisroomlookingliketheMoorofVenice，andyoucomebackwiththeairofSaint-Preux！——IwishIcouldseeMadameMarneffe’sfaceatthisminute——””Andpray，whatdoyoumeanbythat？”saidMarneffetoCrevel，packinghiscardsandlayingthemdowninfrontofhim。
Alightkindledintheeyesofthisman，decrepitattheageofforty-
seven；afaintcolorflushedhisflaccidcoldcheeks，hisill-
furnishedmouthwashalfopen，andonhisblackenedlipsasortoffoamgathered，thick，andaswhiteaschalk。Thisfuryinsuchahelplesswretch，whoselifehungonathread，andwhoinaduelwouldrisknothingwhileCrevelhadeverythingtolose，frightenedtheMayor。”Isaid，”repeatedCrevel，”thatIshouldliketoseeMadameMarneffe’sface。Andwithallthemorereasonsinceyours，atthismoment，ismostunpleasant。Onmyhonor，youarehorriblyugly，mydearMarneffe——””Doyouknowthatyouareveryuncivil？””Amanwhohaswonthirtyfrancsofmeinforty-fiveminutescannotlookhandsomeinmyeyes。””Ah，ifyouhadbutseenmeseventeenyearsago！”repliedtheclerk。”Youweresogood-looking？”askedCrevel。”Thatwasmyruin；now，ifIhadbeenlikeyou——Imightbeamayorandapeer。””Yes，”saidCrevel，withasmile，”youhavebeentoomuchinthewars；
andofthetwoformsofmetalthatmaybeearnedbyworshipingthegodoftrade，youhavetakentheworse——thedross！”[ThisdialogueisgarnishedwithpunsforwhichitisdifficulttofindanyEnglishequivalent。]AndCrevelroaredwithlaughter。ThoughMarneffecouldtakeoffenceifhishonorwereinperil，healwaystooktheseroughpleasantriesingoodpart；theywerethesmallcoinofconversationbetweenhimandCrevel。”ThedaughtersofEvecostmedear，nodoubt；but，bythepowers！
’Shortandsweet’ismymotto。””’Longandhappy’ismoretomymind，”returnedCrevel。
MadameMarneffenowcamein；shesawthatherhusbandwasatcardswithCrevel，andonlytheBaronintheroombesides；amereglanceatthemunicipaldignitaryshowedhertheframeofmindhewasin，andherlineofconductwasatoncedecidedon。”Marneffe，mydearboy，”saidshe，leaningonherhusband’sshoulder，andpassingherprettyfingersthroughhisdingygrayhair，butwithoutsucceedingincoveringhisbaldheadwithit，”itisverylateforyou；yououghttobeinbed。To-morrow，youknow，youmustdoseyourselfbythedoctor’sorders。Reinewillgiveyouyourherbteaatseven。Ifyouwishtolive，giveupyourgame。””Wewillpayitoutuptofivepoints，”saidMarneffetoCrevel。”Verygood——Ihavescoredtwo，”repliedtheMayor。”Howlongwillittakeyou？””Tenminutes，”saidMarneffe。”Itiseleveno’clock，”repliedValerie。”Really，MonsieurCrevel，onemightfancyyoumeanttokillmyhusband。Makehaste，atanyrate。”
Thisdouble-barreledspeechmadeCrevelandHulotsmile，andevenMarneffehimself。ValeriesatdowntotalktoHector。”Youmustleave，mydearest，”saidsheinHulot’sear。”WalkupanddowntheRueVanneau，andcomeinagainwhenyouseeCrevelgoout。””Iwouldratherleavethisroomandgointoyourroomthroughthedressing-roomdoor。YoucouldtellReinetoletmein。””ReineisupstairsattendingtoLisbeth。””Well，supposethenIgouptoLisbeth’srooms？”
DangerhemmedinValerieoneveryside；sheforesawadiscussionwithCrevel，andcouldnotallowHulottobeinherroom，wherehecouldhearallthatwenton——AndtheBrazilianwasupstairswithLisbeth。”Really，youmen，whenyouhaveanotioninyourhead，youwouldburnahousedowntogetintoit！”exclaimedshe。”Lisbethisnotinafitstatetoadmityou——Areyouafraidofcatchingcoldinthestreet？Beoffthere——orgood-night。””Goodevening，gentlemen，”saidtheBarontotheothertwo。
Hulot，whenpiquedinhisoldman’svanity，wasbentonprovingthathecouldplaytheyoungmanbywaitingforthehappyhourintheopenair，andhewentaway。
Marneffebidhiswifegood-night，takingherhandswithasemblanceofdevotion。Valeriepressedherhusband’shandwithasignificantglance，conveying：”GetridofCrevel。””Good-night，Crevel，”saidMarneffe。”IhopeyouwillnotstaylongwithValerie。Yes！Iamjealous——alittlelateintheday，butithasmehardandfast。Ishallcomebacktoseeifyouaregone。””Wehavealittlebusinesstodiscuss，butIshallnotstaylong，”
saidCrevel。”Speaklow——Whatisit？”saidValerie，raisinghervoice，andlookingathimwithamingledexpressionofhaughtinessandscorn。
Crevel，ashemetthisarrogantstare，thoughhewasdoingValerieimportantservices，andhadhopedtoplumehimselfonthefact，wasatoncereducedtosubmission。”ThatBrazilian——”hebegan，but，overpoweredbyValerie’sfixedlookofcontempt，hebrokeoff。”Whatofhim？”saidshe。”Thatcousin——””Isnocousinofmine，”saidshe。”HeismycousintotheworldandtoMonsieurMarneffe。Andifheweremylover，itwouldbenoconcernofyours。Atradesmanwhopaysawomantoberevengedonanotherman，is，inmyopinion，beneaththemanwhopaysherforloveofher。Youdidnotcareforme；allyousawinmewasMonsieurHulot’smistress。Youboughtmeasamanbuysapistoltokillhisadversary。Iwantedbread——Iacceptedthebargain。””Butyouhavenotcarrieditout，”saidCrevel，thetradesmanoncemore。”YouwantBaronHulottobetoldthatyouhaverobbedhimofhismistress，topayhimoutforhavingrobbedyouofJosepha？Nothingcanmoreclearlyproveyourbaseness。Yousayyouloveawoman，youtreatherlikeaduchess，andthenyouwanttodegradeher？Well，mygoodfellow，andyouareright。ThiswomanisnomatchforJosepha。Thatyoungpersonhasthecourageofherdisgrace，whileI——Iamahypocrite，anddeservetobepubliclywhipped——Alas！Josephaisprotectedbyherclevernessandherwealth。Ihavenothingtosheltermebutmyreputation；Iamstilltheworthyandblamelesswifeofaplaincitizen；ifyoucreateascandal，whatistobecomeofme？IfI
wererich，thenindeed；butmyincomeisfifteenthousandfrancsayearatmost，Isuppose。””Muchmorethanthat，”saidCrevel。”Ihavedoubledyoursavingsintheselasttwomonthsbyinvestingin/Orleans/。””Well，apositioninParisbeginswithfiftythousand。AndyoucertainlywillnotmakeuptomeforthepositionIshouldsurrender——
Whatwasmyaim？IwanttoseeMarneffeafirst-classclerk；hewillthendrawasalaryofsixthousandfrancs。Hehasbeentwenty-sevenyearsinhisoffice；withinthreeyearsIshallhavearighttoapensionoffifteenhundredfrancswhenhedies。You，towhomIhavebeenentirelykind，towhomIhavegivenyourfillofhappiness——youcannotwait！——Andthatiswhatmencalllove！”sheexclaimed。”ThoughIbeganwithanulteriorpurpose，”saidCrevel，”Ihavebecomeyourpoodle。Youtrampleonmyheart，youcrushme，youstultifyme，andIloveyouasIhaveneverlovedinmylife。Valerie，IloveyouasmuchasIlovemyCelestine。Iamcapableofanythingforyoursake——Listen，insteadofcomingtwiceaweektotheRueduDauphin，comethreetimes。””Isthatall！Youarequiteyoungagain，mydearboy！””OnlyletmepackoffHulot，humiliatehim，ridyouofhim，”saidCrevel，notheedingherimpertinence！”HavenothingtosaytotheBrazilian，beminealone；youshallnotrepentofit。Tobeginwith，I
willgiveyoueightthousandfrancsayear，securedbybond，butonlyasanannuity；Iwillnotgiveyouthecapitaltilltheendoffiveyears’constancy——””Alwaysabargain！Atradesmancanneverlearntogive。Youwanttostopforrefreshmentsontheroadoflove——intheformofGovernmentbonds！Bah！Shopman，pomatumseller！youputapriceoneverything！——
HectortoldmethattheDucd’HerouvillegaveJosephaabondforthirtythousandfrancsayearinapacketofsugaralmonds！AndIamworthsixofJosepha。”Oh！tobeloved！”shewenton，twistingherringletsroundherfingers，andlookingatherselfintheglass。”Henrilovesme。HewouldsmashyoulikeaflyifIwinkedathim！Hulotlovesme；heleaveshiswifeinbeggary！Asforyou，gomygoodman，betheworthyfatherofafamily。Youhavethreehundredthousandfrancsoverandaboveyourfortune，onlytoamuseyourself，ahoard，infact，andyouthinkofnothingbutincreasingit——””Foryou，Valerie，sinceIofferyouhalf，”saidhe，fallingonhisknees。”What，stillhere！”criedMarneffe，hideousinhisdressing-gown。”Whatareyouabout？””Heisbeggingmypardon，mydear，foraninsultingproposalhehasdaredtomakeme。Unabletoobtainmyconsent，mygentlemanproposedtopayme——”
Crevelonlylongedtovanishintothecellar，throughatrap，asisdoneonthestage。”Getup，Crevel，”saidMarneffe，laughing，”youareridiculous。IcanseebyValerie’smannerthatmyhonorisinnodanger。””Gotobedandsleepinpeace，”saidMadameMarneffe。”Isn’tsheclever？”thoughtCrevel。”Shehassavedme。Sheisadorable！”
AsMarneffedisappeared，theMayortookValerie’shandsandkissedthem，leavingonthemthetracesoftears。”Itshallallstandinyourname，”hesaid。”Thatistruelove，”shewhisperedinhisear。”Well，loveforlove。
Hulotisbelow，inthestreet。ThepooroldthingiswaitingtoreturnwhenIplaceacandleinoneofthewindowsofmybedroom。IgiveyouleavetotellhimthatyouarethemanIlove；hewillrefusetobelieveyou；takehimtotheRueduDauphin，givehimeveryproof，crushhim；Iallowit——Iorderit！Iamtiredofthatoldseal；heboresmetodeath。KeepyourmanallnightintheRueduDauphin，grillhimoveraslowfire，berevengedforthelossofJosepha。Hulotmaydieofitperhaps，butweshallsavehiswifeandchildrenfromutterruin。MadameHulotisworkingforherbread——””Oh！poorwoman！Onmyword，itisquiteshocking！”exclaimedCrevel，hisnaturalfeelingcomingtothetop。”Ifyouloveme，Celestin，”saidsheinCrevel’sear，whichshetouchedwithherlips，”keephimthere，orIamdonefor。Marneffeissuspicious。Hectorhasakeyoftheoutergate，andwillcertainlycomeback。”
CrevelclaspedMadameMarneffetohisheart，andwentawayintheseventhheavenofdelight。Valeriefondlyescortedhimtothelanding，andthenfollowedhim，likeawomanmagnetized，downthestairstotheverybottom。”MyValerie，goback，donotcompromiseyourselfbeforetheporters——
Goback；mylife，mytreasure，allisyours——Goin，myduchess！””MadameOlivier，”Valeriecalledgentlywhenthegatewasclosed。”Why，madame！Youhere？”saidthewomaninbewilderment。”Boltthegatesattopandbottom，andletnoonein。””Verygood，madame。”
Havingbarredthegate，MadameOliviertoldofthebribethattheWarOfficechiefhadtriedtoofferher。”Youbehavedlikeanangel，mydearOlivier；weshalltalkofthatto-morrow。”
Valerieflewlikeanarrowtothethirdfloor，tappedthreetimesatLisbeth’sdoor，andthenwentdowntoherroom，whereshegaveinstructionstoMademoiselleReine，forawomanmustmakethemostoftheopportunitywhenaMontesarrivesfromBrazil。”ByHeaven！onlyawomanoftheworldiscapableofsuchlove，”saidCreveltohimself。”Howshecamedownthosestairs，lightingthemupwithhereyes，followingme！NeverdidJosepha——Josepha！sheiscag-
mag！”criedtheex-bagman。”WhathaveIsaid？/Cag-mag/——why，ImighthaveletthewordslipoutattheTuileries！IcanneverdoanygoodunlessValerieeducatesme——andIwassobentonbeingagentleman——
Whatawomansheis！Sheupsetsmelikeafitofthecolicwhenshelooksatmecoldly。Whatgrace！Whatwit！NeverdidJosephamovemeso。Andwhatperfectionwhenyoucometoknowher！——Ha，thereismyman！”
HeperceivedinthegloomoftheRuedeBabylonethetall，somewhatstoopingfigureofHulot，stealingalongclosetoaboarding，andhewentstraightuptohim。”Good-morning，Baron，foritispastmidnight，mydearfellow。Whatthedevilareyourdoinghere？Youareairingyourselfunderapleasantdrizzle。Thatisnotwholesomeatourtimeoflife。Willyouletmegiveyoualittlepieceofadvice？Leteachofusgohome；for，betweenyouandme，youwillnotseethecandleinthewindow。”
ThelastwordsmadetheBaronsuddenlyawarethathewassixty-three，andthathiscloakwaswet。”Whoonearthtoldyou——？”hebegan。”Valerie，ofcourse，/our/Valerie，whomeanshenceforthtobe/my/
Valerie。Weareevennow，Baron；wewillplayoffthetiewhenyouplease。Youhavenothingtocomplainof；youknow，Ialwaysstipulatedfortherightoftakingmyrevenge；ittookyouthreemonthstorobmeofJosepha；ItookValeriefromyouin——Wewillsaynomoreaboutthat。NowImeantohaveheralltomyself。Butwecanbeverygoodfriends，allthesame。””Crevel，nojesting，”saidHulot，inavoicechokedbyrage。”Itisamatteroflifeanddeath。””Blessme，isthathowyoutakeit！——Baron，doyounotrememberwhatyousaidtomethedayofHortense’smarriage：’Cantwooldgafferslikeusquarreloverapetticoat？Itistoolow，toocommon。Weare/Regence/，weagreed，Pompadour，eighteenthcentury，quitetheMarechalRichelieu，LouisXV。，nay，andImaysay，/Liaisonsdangereuses/！”
Crevelmighthavegoneonwithhisstringofliteraryallusions；theBaronheardhimasadeafmanlistenswhenheisbuthalfdeaf。But，seeinginthegaslighttheghastlypallorofhisface，thetriumphantMayorstoppedshort。Thiswas，indeed，athunderboltafterMadameOlivier’sasservationsandValerie’spartingglance。”GoodGod！AndtherearesomanyotherwomeninParis！”hesaidatlast。”ThatiswhatIsaidtoyouwhenyoutookJosepha，”saidCrevel。”Lookhere，Crevel，itisimpossible。Givemesomeproof——Haveyouakey，asIhave，toletyourselfin？”
Andhavingreachedthehouse，theBaronputthekeyintothelock；butthegatewasimmovable；hetriedinvaintoopenit。”Donotmakeanoiseinthestreetsatnight，”saidCrevelcoolly。”I
tellyou，Baron，Ihavefarbetterproofthanyoucanshow。””Proofs！givemeproof！”criedtheBaron，almostcrazywithexasperation。”Come，andyoushallhavethem，”saidCrevel。
