D’Arthez，forthefirsttime，aftersixtydaysofprotocols，venturedtotakethatwarmandperfumedhand，andpressittohislipswithalong-drawnkiss，extendingfromthewristtothetipofthefingers，whichmadetheprincessaugurwellofliterature。Shethoughttoherselfthatmenofgeniusmustknowhowtolovewithmoreperfectionthanconceitedfops，menoftheworld，diplomatists，andevensoldiers，althoughsuchbeingshavenothingelsetodo。Shewasaconnoisseur，andknewverywellthatthecapacityforloverevealsitselfchieflyinmerenothings。Awomanwellinformedinsuchmatterscanreadherfutureinasimplegesture；justasCuviercouldsayfromthefragmentofabone：Thisbelongedtoananimalofsuchorsuchdimensions，withorwithouthorns，carnivorous，herbivorous，amphibious，etc。，age，somanythousandyears。Surenowoffindingind’Arthezasmuchimaginationinloveastherewasinhiswrittenstyle，shethoughtitwisetobringhimupatoncetothehighestpitchofpassionandbelief。
Shewithdrewherhandhastily，withamagnificentmovementfullofvariedemotions。Ifshehadsaidinwords：\"Stop，orIshalldie，\"shecouldnothavespokenmoreplainly。Sheremainedforamomentwithhereyesind’Arthez’seyes，expressinginthatoneglancehappiness，prudery，fear，confidence，languor，avaguelonging，andvirginmodesty。Shewastwentyyearsold！butremember，shehadpreparedforthishourofcomicfalsehoodbythechoicestartofdress；shewasthereinherarmchairlikeaflower，readytoblossomatthefirstkissofsunshine。Trueorfalse，sheintoxicatedDaniel。
Itifispermissibletoriskapersonalopinionwemustavowthatitwouldbedelightfultobethusdeceivedforagoodlongtime。
CertainlyTalmaonthestagewasoftenaboveandbeyondnature，butthePrincessedeCadignanisthegreatesttruecomedianofourday。
Nothingwaswantingtothiswomanbutanattentiveaudience。
Unfortunately，atepochsperturbedbypoliticalstorms，womendisappearlikewater-lilieswhichneedacloudlessskyandbalmyzephyrstospreadtheirbloomtoourenrapturedeyes。
Thehourhadcome；Dianewasnowtoentanglethatgreatmanintheinextricablemeshesofaromancecarefullyprepared，towhichhewasfatedtolistenastheneophyteofearlyChristiantimeslistenedtotheepistlesofanapostle。
\"Myfriend，\"beganDiane，\"mymother，whostilllivesatUxelles，marriedmein1814，whenIwasseventeenyearsold（youseehowoldI
amnow！）toMonsieurdeMaufrigneuse，notoutofaffectionforme，butoutofregardforhim。Shedischargedherdebttotheonlymanshehadeverloved，forthehappinessshehadoncereceivedfromhim。Oh！youneednotbeastonishedatsohorribleaconspiracy；itfrequentlytakesplace。Manywomenaremoreloversthanmothers，thoughthemajorityaremoremothersthanwives。Thetwosentiments，loveandmotherhood，developedastheyarebyourmannersandcustoms，oftenstruggletogetherintheheartsofwomen；oneorothermustsuccumbwhentheyarenotofequalstrength；whentheyare，theyproducesomeexceptionalwomen，thegloryofoursex。Amanofyourgeniusmustsurelycomprehendmanythingsthatbewilderfoolsbutarenonethelesstrue；indeedImaygofurtherandcallthemjustifiablethroughdifferenceofcharacters，temperaments，attachments，situations。I，forexample，atthismoment，aftertwentyyearsofmisfortunes，ofdeceptions，ofcalumniesendured，andwearydaysandhollowpleasures，isitnotnaturalthatIshouldinclinetofallatthefeetofamanwhowouldlovemesincerelyandforever？Andyet，theworldwouldcondemnme。Buttwentyyearsofsufferingmightwellexcuseafewbriefyearswhichmaystillremaintomeofyouthgiventoasacredandreallove。Thiswillnothappen。Iamnotsorashastosacrificemyhopesofheaven。Ihavebornetheburdenandheatoftheday，I
shallfinishmycourseandwinmyrecompense。\"
\"Angel！\"thoughtd’Arthez。
\"Afterall，Ihaveneverblamedmymother；sheknewlittleofme。
MotherswholeadalifelikethatoftheDuchessed’Uxelleskeeptheirchildrenatadistance。Isawandknewnothingoftheworlduntilmymarriage。Youcanjudgeofmyinnocence！Iknewnothing；Iwasincapableofunderstandingthecausesofmymarriage。Ihadafinefortune；sixtythousandfrancsayearinforests，whichtheRevolutionoverlooked（orhadnotbeenabletosell）intheNivernais，withthenoblechateauofd’Anzy。MonsieurdeMaufrigneusewassteepedindebt。
LaterIlearnedwhatitwastohavedebts，butthenIwastooutterlyignorantoflifetosuspectmyposition；themoneysavedoutofmyfortunewenttopacifymyhusband’screditors。MonsieurdeMaufrigneusewasforty-eightyearsofagewhenImarriedhim；butthoseyearswerelikemilitarycampaigns，theyoughttocountfortwicewhattheywere。Ah！whatalifeIledfortenyears！Ifanyonehadknownthesufferingofthispoor，calumniatedlittlewoman！Tobewatchedbyamotherjealousofherdaughter！Heavens！Youwhomakedramas，youwillneverinventanythingasdirefulasthat。Ordinarily，accordingtothelittlethatIknowofliterature，adramaisasuiteofactions，speeches，movementswhichhurrytoacatastrophe；butwhatIspeakofwasacatastropheinaction。Itwasanavalanchefalleninthemorningandfallingagainatnightonlytofallagainthenextday。IamcoldnowasIspeaktoyouofthatcavernwithoutanopening，cold，sombre，inwhichIlived。I，poorlittlethingthatI
was！broughtupinaconventlikeamysticrose，knowingnothingofmarriage，developinglate，Iwashappyatfirst；Ienjoyedthegoodwillandharmonyofourfamily。Thebirthofmypoorboy，whoisallme——youmusthavebeenstruckbythelikeness？myhair，myeyes，theshapeofmyface，mymouth，mysmile，myteeth！——well，hisbirthwasarelieftome；mythoughtsweredivertedbythefirstjoysofmaternityfrommyhusband，whogavemenopleasureanddidnothingformethatwaskindoramiable；thosejoyswereallthekeenerbecauseI
knewnoothers。Ithadbeensooftenrungintomyearsthatamothershouldrespectherself。Besides，ayounggirllovestoplaythemother。Iwassoproudofmyflower——forGeorgeswasbeautiful，amiracle，Ithought！Isawandthoughtofnothingbutmyson，Ilivedwithmyson。Ineverlethisnursedressorundresshim。Suchcares，sowearingtomotherswhohavearegimentofchildren，wereallmypleasure。Butafterthreeorfouryears，asIwasnotanactualfool，lightcametomyeyesinspiteofthepainstakentoblindfoldme。Canyouseemeatthatfinalawakening，in1819？Thedramaof’TheBrothersatenmity’isarose-watertragedybesidethatofamotheranddaughterplacedaswethenwere。ButIbravedthemall，mymother，myhusband，theworld，bypubliccoquetrieswhichsocietytalkedof，——
andheavenknowshowittalked！Youcansee，myfriend，howthemenwithwhomIwasaccusedoffollyweretomethedaggerwithwhichtostabmyenemies。Thinkingonlyofmyvengeance，IdidnotseeorfeelthewoundsIwasinflictingonmyself。Innocentasachild，Iwasthoughtawickedwoman，theworstofwomen，andIknewnothingofit！
Theworldisveryfoolish，veryblind，veryignorant；itcanpenetratenosecretsbutthosewhichamuseitandserveitsmalice：noblethings，greatthings，itputsitshandbeforeitseyestoavoidseeing。But，asIlookback，itseemstomethatIhadanattitudeandaspectofindignantinnocence，withmovementsofpride，whichagreatpainterwouldhaverecognized。Imusthaveenlivenedmanyaballwithmytempestsofangeranddisdain。Lostpoesy！suchsublimepoemsareonlymadeintheglowingindignationwhichseizesusattwenty。Later，wearewrathfulnolonger，wearetooweary，vicenolongeramazesus，wearecowards，wefear。Butthen——oh！Ikeptagreatpace！ForallthatIplayedthesilliestpersonageintheworld；IwaschargedwithcrimesbywhichIneverbenefited。ButIhadsuchpleasureincompromisingmyself。Thatwasmyrevenge！Ah！Ihaveplayedmanychildishtricks！IwenttoItalywithathoughtlessyouth，whomI
crushedwhenhespoketomeoflove，butlater，whenIherdthathewascompromisedonmyaccount（hehadcommittedaforgerytogetmoney）Irushedtosavehim。Mymotherandhusbandkeptmealmostwithoutmeans；but，thistime，Iwenttotheking。LouisXVIII。，thatmanwithoutaheart，wastouched；hegavemeahundredthousandfrancsfromhisprivypurse。TheMarquisd’Esgrignon——youmusthaveseenhiminsocietyforheendedbymakingarichmarriage——wassavedfromtheabyssintowhichhehadplungedformysake。Thatadventure，causedbymyownfolly，ledmetoreflect。IsawthatImyselfwasthefirstvictimofmyvengeance。Mymother，whoknewIwastooproud，tood’Uxelles，toconductmyselfreallyill，begantoseetheharmthatshehaddonemeandwasfrightenedbyit。Shewasthenfifty-twoyearsofage；sheleftParisandwenttoliveatUxelles。Theresheexpiatesherwrong-doingbyalifeofdevotionandexpressestheutmostaffectionforme。AfterherdepartureIwasfacetoface，alone，withMonsieurdeMaufrigneuse。Oh！myfriend，youmencanneverknowwhatanoldmanofgallantrycanbe。Whatahomeisthatofamanaccustomedtotheadulationofwomenoftheworld，whenhefindsneitherincensenorcenserinhisownhouse！deadtoall！andyet，perhapsforthatveryreason，jealous。Iwished——whenMonsieurdeMaufrigneusewaswhollymine——Iwishedtobeagoodwife，butIfoundmyselfrepulsedwiththeharshnessofasouredspiritbyamanwhotreatedmelikeachildandtookpleasureinhumiliatingmyself-
respectateveryturn，incrushingmeunderthescornofhisexperience，andinconvictingmeoftotalignorance。Hewoundedmeonalloccasions。Hedideverythingtomakemedetesthimandtogivemetherighttobetrayhim；butIwasstillthedupeofmyownhopeandofmydesiretodorightthroughseveralyears。ShallItellyouthecruelsayingthatdrovemetofurtherfollies？’TheDuchessedeMaufrigneusehasgonebacktoherhusband，’saidtheworld。’Bah！itisalwaysatriumphtobringthedeadtolife；itisallshecannowdo，’repliedmybestfriend，arelation，she，atwhosehouseImetyou——\"
\"Madamed’Espard！\"criedDaniel，withagestureofhorror。
\"Oh！Ihaveforgivenher。Besides，itwasverywitty；andIhavemyselfmadejustascruelepigramsonotherpoorwomenasinnocentasmyself。\"
D’Arthezagainkissedthehandofthatsaintlywomanwho，havinghackedhermotherinpieces，andturnedthePrincedeCadignanintoanOthello，nowproceededtoaccuseherselfinordertoappearintheeyesofthatinnocentgreatmanasimmaculateasthesilliestorthewisestofwomendesiretoseematallcoststotheirlovers。
\"Youwillreadilyunderstand，myfriend，thatIreturnedtosocietyforthepurposeofexcitementandImaysayofnotoriety。IfeltthatImustconquermyindependence。Iledalifeofdissipation。Todivertmymind，toforgetmyreallifeinfictitiousenjoymentsIwasgay，I
shone，Igavefetes，Iplayedtheprincess，andIranindebt。AthomeIcouldforgetmyselfinthesleepofweariness，abletorisethenextdaygay，andfrivolousfortheworld；butinthatsadstruggletoescapemyreallifeIwastedmyfortune。Therevolutionof1830came；
itcameattheverymomentwhenIhadmet，attheendofthatArabianNights’life，apureandsacredlovewhich（Idesiretobehonest）I
hadlongedtoknow。Wasitnotnaturalinawomanwhoseheart，repressedbymanycausesandaccidents，wasawakeningatanagewhenawomanfeelsherselfcheatedifshehasneverknown，likethewomensheseesabouther，ahappylove？Ah！whywasMichelChrestiensorespectful？Whydidhenotseektomeetme？Thereagainwasanothermockery！Butwhatofthat？infalling，Ihavelosteverything；Ihavenoillusionsleft；IhadtastedofallthingsexcepttheonefruitforwhichIhavenolongerteeth。Yes，IfoundmyselfdisenchantedwiththeworldattheverymomentwhenIwasforcedtoleaveit。
Providential，wasitnot？likeallthosestrangeinsensibilitieswhichprepareusfordeath\"（shemadeagesturefullofpiousunction）。\"Allthingsservedmethen，\"shecontinued；\"thedisastersofthemonarchyanditsruinhelpedmetoburymyself。Mysonconsolesmeformuch。
Maternallovetakestheplaceofallfrustratedfeelings。Theworldissurprisedatmyretirement，buttomeithasbroughtpeace。Ah！ifyouknewhowhappythepoorcreaturebeforeyouisinthislittleplace。
InsacrificingalltomysonIforgettothinkofjoysofwhichIamandevermustbeignorant。Yes，hopehasflown，Inowfeareverything；
nodoubtIshouldrepulsethetruestsentiment，thepurestandmostveritablelove，inmemoryofthedeceptionsandthemiseriesofmylife。Itisallhorrible，isitnot？andyet，whatIhavetoldyouisthehistoryofmanywomen。\"
Thelastfewwordsweresaidinatoneofeasypleasantrywhichrecalledthepresenceofthewomanoftheworld。D’Arthezwasdumbfounded。Inhiseyesconvictssenttothegalleysformurder，oraggravatedrobbery，orforputtingawrongnametochecks，weresaintscomparedtothemenandwomenofsociety。Thisatrociouselegy，forgedinthearsenaloflies，andsteepedinthewatersoftheParisianStyx，hadbeenpouredintohisearswiththeinimitableaccentoftruth。Thegraveauthorcontemplatedforamomentthatadorablewomanlyingbackinhereasy-chair，hertwohandspendantfromitsarmslikedewdropsfromarose-leaf，overcomebyherownrevelation，livingoveragainthesorrowsofherlifeasshetoldthem——inshortanangelofmelancholy。
\"Andjudge，\"shecried，suddenlyliftingherselfwithaspringandraisingherhand，whilelightningflashedfromeyeswheretwentychasteyearsshone——\"judgeoftheimpressiontheloveofamanlikeMichelmusthavemadeuponme。Butbysomeironyoffate——orwasitthehandofGod？——well，hedied；diedinsavingthelifeof，whomdoyousuppose？ofMonsieurdeCadignan。Areyounowsurprisedtofindmethoughtful？\"
Thiswasthelastdrop；poord’Arthezcouldbearnomore。Hefelluponhisknees，andlaidhisheadonDiane’shand，weepingsofttearssuchastheangelsshed，——ifangelsweep。AsDanielwasinthatbentposture，MadamedeCadignancouldsafelyletamalicioussmileoftriumphflickeronherlips，asmilesuchasthemonkeyswearafterplayingaslytrick——ifmonkeyssmile。
\"Ah！Ihavehim，\"thoughtshe；and，indeed，shehadhimfast。
\"Butyouare——\"hesaid，raisinghisfineheadandlookingatherwitheyesoflove。
\"Virginandmartyr，\"shereplied，smilingatthecommonnessofthathackneyedexpression，butgivingitafreshnessofmeaningbyhersmile，sofullofpainfulgayety。\"IfIlaugh，\"shecontinued，\"itisthatIamthinkingofthatprincesswhomtheworldthinksitknows，thatDuchessedeMaufrigneusetowhomitgivesasloversdeMarsay，thatinfamousdeTrailles（apoliticalcutthroat），andthatlittlefoolofad’Esgrignon，andRastignac，Rubempre，ambassadors，ministers，Russiangenerals，heavenknowswho！allEurope！TheyhavegossipedaboutthatalbumwhichIorderedmade，believingthatthosewhoadmiredmeweremyfriends。Ah！itisfrightful！IwonderthatI
allowamanatmyfeet！Despisethemall，THATshouldbemyreligion。\"
Sheroseandwenttothewindowwithagaitandbearingmagnificentinmotifs。
D’Arthezremainedonthelowseattowhichhehadreturnednotdaringtofollowtheprincess；buthelookedather；heheardherblowinghernose。Wasthereeveraprincesswhoblewhernose？butDianeattemptedtheimpossibletoconveyanideaofhersensibility。D’Arthezbelievedhisangelwasintears；herushedtoherside，tookherroundthewaist，andpressedhertohisheart。
\"No，no，leaveme！\"shemurmuredinafeeblevoice。\"Ihavetoomanydoubtstobegoodforanything。Toreconcilemewithlifeisataskbeyondthepowersofanyman。\"
\"Diane！Iwillloveyouforyourwholelostlife。\"
\"No；don’tspeaktomethus，\"sheanswered。\"AtthismomentItremble，IamashamedasthoughIhadcommittedthegreatestsins。\"
Shewasnowentirelyrestoredtotheinnocenceoflittlegirls，andyetherbearingwasaugust，grand，nobleasthatofaqueen。Itisimpossibletodescribetheeffectofthesemanoeuvres，socleverthattheyactedlikethepuresttruthonasoulasfreshandhonestasthatofd’Arthez。Thegreatauthorremaineddumbwithadmiration，passivebesideherintherecessofthatwindowawaitingaword，whiletheprincessawaitedakiss；butshewasfartoosacredtohimforthat。
Feelingcold，theprincessreturnedtohereasy-chair；herfeetwerefrozen。
\"Itwilltakealongtime，\"shesaidtoherself，lookingatDaniel’snoblebrowandhead。
\"Isthisawoman？\"thoughtthatprofoundobserverofhumannature。
\"HowoughtItotreather？\"
Untiltwoo’clockinthemorningtheyspenttheirtimeinsayingtoeachotherthesillythingsthatwomenofgenius，liketheprincess，knowhowtomakeadorable。Dianepretendedtobetooworn，tooold，toofaded；D’Arthezprovedtoher（factsofwhichshewaswellconvinced）thatherskinwasthemostdelicate，thesoftesttothetouch，thewhitesttotheeye，themostfragrant；shewasyoungandinherbloom，howcouldshethinkotherwise？Thustheydisputed，beautybybeauty，detailbydetailwithmany：\"Oh！doyouthinkso？\"——\"Youarebesideyourself！\"——\"Itishope，itisfancy！\"——\"YouwillsoonseemeasIam。——Iamalmostfortyyearsofage。Canamanlovesooldawoman？\"
D’Arthezrespondedwithimpetuousandschool-boyeloquence，lardedwithexaggeratedepithets。Whentheprincessheardthiswiseandwittywritertalkingthenonsenseofanamoroussub-lieutenantshelistenedwithanabsorbedairandmuchsensibility；butshelaughedinhersleeve。
Whend’Arthezwasinthestreet，heaskedhimselfwhetherhemightnothavebeenratherlessrespectful。Hewentoverinmemorythosestrangeconfidences——whichhave，naturally，beenmuchabridgedhere，fortheyneededavolumetoconveytheirmellifluousabundanceandthegraceswhichaccompaniedthem。Theretrospectiveperspicacityofthisman，sonatural，soprofound，wasbaffledbythecandorofthattaleanditspoignancy，andbythetonesoftheprincess。
\"Itistrue，\"hesaidtohimself，beingunabletosleep，\"therearesuchdramasasthatinsociety。Societycoversgreathorrorswiththeflowersofitselegance，theembroideryofitsgossip，thewitofitslies。Wewritersinventnomorethanthetruth。PoorDiane！Michelhadpenetratedthatenigma；hesaidthatbeneathhercoveringoficetherelayvolcanoes！BianchonandRastignacwereright；whenamancanjointhegrandeursoftheidealandtheenjoymentsofhumanpassioninlovingawomanofperfectmanners，ofintellect，ofdelicacy，itmustbehappinessbeyondwords。\"
Sothinking，hesoundedthelovethatwasinhimandfounditinfinite。
CHAPTERV
ATRIALOFFAITH
Thenextday，abouttwointheafternoon，Madamed’Espard，whohadseenandheardnothingoftheprincessformorethanamonth，wenttoseeherundertheimpulseofextremecuriosity。Nothingwasevermoreamusingofitskindthantheconversationofthesetwocraftyaddersduringthefirsthalf-hourofthisvisit。
Dianed’Uxellescautiouslyavoided，asshewouldthewearingofayellowgown，allmentionofd’Arthez。ThemarquisecircledroundandroundthattopiclikeaBedouinroundacaravan。Dianeamusedherself；
themarquisefumed。Dianewaited；sheintendedtoutilizeherfriendanduseherinthechase。Ofthesetwowomen，bothsocelebratedinthesocialworld，onewasfarstrongerthantheother。Theprincessrosebyaheadabovethemarquise，andthemarquisewasinwardlyconsciousofthatsuperiority。Inthis，perhaps，laythesecretoftheirintimacy。Theweakerofthetwocrouchedlowinherfalseattachment，watchingforthehour，longawaitedbyfeeblebeings，ofspringingatthethroatofthestrongerandleavingthemarkofajoyfulbite。Dianesawclear；buttheworldwasthedupeofthewilecaressesofthetwofriends。
Theinstantthattheprincessperceivedadirectquestiononthelipsofherfriend，shesaid：——
\"Ah！dearest，Ioweyouamostcomplete，immense，infinite，celestialhappiness。\"
\"Whatcanyoumean？\"
\"Haveyouforgottenwhatweruminatedthreemonthsagointhelittlegarden，sittingonabenchinthesun，underthejasmine？Ah！therearenonebutmenofgeniuswhoknowhowtolove！IapplytomygrandDanield’ArtheztheDukeofAlba’ssayingtoCatherinede’Medici：
’Theheadofasinglesalmonisworthallthefrogsintheworld。’\"
\"IamnotsurprisedthatInolongerseeyou，\"saidMadamed’Espard。
\"Promiseme，ifyoumeethim，nottosaytohimonewordaboutme，myangel，\"saidtheprincess，takingherfriend’shand。\"Iamhappy，oh！
happybeyondallexpression；butyouknowthatinsocietyaword，amerejestcandomuchharm。Onespeechcankill，fortheyputsuchvenomintoasinglesentence！Ah！ifyouknewhowIlongthatyoumightmeetwithalovelikethis！Yes，itisasweet，aprecioustriumphforwomenlikeourselvestoendourwoman’slifeinthisway；
torestinanardent，pure，devoted，completeandabsolutelove；aboveall，whenwehavesoughtitlong。\"
\"Whydoyouaskmetobefaithfultomydearestfriend？\"saidMadamed’Espard。\"Doyouthinkmecapableofplayingyousomevillainoustrick？\"
\"Whenawomanpossessessuchatreasurethefearoflosingitissostrongthatitnaturallyinspiresafeelingofterror。Iamabsurd，I
know；forgiveme，dear。\"
Afewmomentslaterthemarquisedeparted；asshewatchedhergotheprincesssaidtoherself：——
\"Howshewillpluckme！ButtosaveherthetroubleoftryingtogetDanielawayfromhereI’llsendhimtoher。\"
Atthreeo’clock，orafewmomentsafter，d’Arthezarrived。Inthemidstofsomeinterestingtopiconwhichhewasdiscoursingeloquently，theprincesssuddenlycuthimshortbylayingherhandonhisarm。
\"Pardonme，mydearfriend，\"shesaid，interruptinghim，\"butIfearI
mayforgetathingwhichseemsameretriflebutmaybeofgreatimportance。YouhavenotsetfootinMadamed’Espard’ssalonsincetheever-blesseddaywhenImetyouthere。Praygoatonce；notforyoursake，norbywayofpoliteness，butforme。Youmayalreadyhavemadeheranenemyofmine，ifbychanceshehasdiscoveredthatsinceherdinneryouhavescarcelyleftmyhouse。Besides，myfriend，Idon’tliketoseeyoudroppingyourconnectionwithsociety，andneglectingyouroccupationsandyourwork。Ishouldagainbestrangelycalumniated。Whatwouldtheworldsay？ThatIheldyouinleading-
strings，absorbedyou，fearedcomparisons，andclungtomyconquestknowingittobemylast！Whowillknowthatyouaremyfriend，myonlyfriend？Ifyoulovemeindeed，asyousayyouloveme，youwillmaketheworldbelievethatwearepurelyandsimplybrotherandsister——Goonwithwhatyouweresaying。\"
Inhisarmoroftenderness，rivetedbytheknowledgeofsomanysplendidvirtues，d’ArthezobeyedthisbehestonthefollowingdayandwenttoseeMadamed’Espard，whoreceivedhimwithcharmingcoquetry。
Themarquisetookverygoodcarenottosayasinglewordtohimabouttheprincess，butsheaskedhimtodinneronacomingday。
Onthisoccasiond’Arthezfoundanumerouscompany。ThemarquisehadinvitedRastignac，Blondet，theMarquisd’Ajuda-Pinto，MaximedeTrailles，theMarquisd’Esgrignon，thetwobrothersVandenesse，duTillet，oneoftherichestbankersinParis，theBarondeNucingen，RaoulNathan，LadyDudley，twoverytreacheroussecretariesofembassiesandtheChevalierd’Espard，thewiliestpersoninthisassemblageandthechiefinstigatorofhissister-in-law’spolicy。
Whendinnerwaswellunderway，MaximedeTraillesturnedtod’Arthezandsaidsmiling：——
\"Youseeagreatdeal，don’tyou，ofthePrincessedeCadignan？\"
Tothisquestiond’Arthezrespondedbycurtlynoddinghishead。MaximedeTrailleswasa\"bravo\"ofthesocialorder，withoutfaithorlaw，capableofeverything，ruiningthewomenwhotrustedhim，compellingthemtopawntheirdiamondstogivehimmoney，butcoveringthisconductwithabrilliantvarnish；amanofcharmingmannersandsatanicmind。Heinspiredallwhoknewhimwithequalcontemptandfear；butasnoonewasboldenoughtoshowhimanysentimentsbutthoseoftheutmostcourtesyhesawnothingofthispublicopinion，orelseheacceptedandsharedthegeneraldissimulation。HeowedtotheComtedeMarsaythegreatestdegreeofelevationtowhichhecouldattain。DeMarsay，whoseknowledgeofMaximewasoflong-standing，judgedhimcapableoffulfillingcertainsecretanddiplomaticfunctionswhichheconfidedtohimandofwhichdeTraillesacquittedhimselfadmirably。D’Arthezhadforsometimepastmingledsufficientlyinpoliticalmatterstoknowthemanforwhathewas，andhealonehadsufficientstrengthandheightofcharactertoexpressaloudwhatothersthoughtorsaidinawhisper。
\"IsitforherthatyouneglecttheChamber？\"askedBarondeNucingeninhisGermanaccent。
\"Ah！theprincessisoneofthemostdangerouswomenamancanhaveanythingtodowith。Iowetoherthemiseriesofmymarriage，\"
exclaimedtheMarquisd’Esgrignon。
\"Dangerous？\"saidMadamed’Espard。\"Don’tspeaksoofmynearestfriend。Ihaveneverseenorknownanythingintheprincessthatdidnotseemtocomefromthenoblestsentiments。\"
\"Letthemarquissaywhathethinks，\"criedRastignac。\"Whenamanhasbeenthrownbyafinehorsehethinksithasvicesandhesellsit。\"
Piquedbythesewords，theMarquisd’Esgrignonlookedatd’Arthezandsaid：——
\"Monsieurisnot，Itrust，onsuchtermswiththeprincessthatwecannotspeakfreelyofher？\"
D’Arthezkeptsilence。D’Esgrignon，whowasnotwantingincleverness，repliedtoRastignac’sspeechwithanapologeticportraitoftheprincess，whichputthewholetableingoodhumor。Asthejestwasextremelyobscuretod’Arthezheleanedtowardshisneighbor，MadamedeMontcornet，andaskedher，inawhisper，whatitmeant。
\"Exceptingyourself——judgingbytheexcellentopinionyouseemtohaveoftheprincess——alltheotherguestsaresaidtohavebeeninhergoodgraces。\"
\"Icanassureyouthatsuchanaccusationisabsolutelyfalse，\"saidDaniel。
\"Andyet，hereisMonsieurd’EsgrignonofanoldfamilyofAlencon，whocompletelyruinedhimselfforhersometwelveyearsago，and，ifallistrue，cameveryneargoingtothescaffold。\"
\"Iknowtheparticularsofthataffair，\"saidd’Arthez。\"MadamedeCadignanwenttoAlencontosaveMonsieurd’Esgrignonfromatrialbeforethecourtofassizes；andthisishowherewardsherto-day！\"
MadamedeMontcornetlookedatd’Arthezwithasurpriseandcuriositythatwerealmoststupid，thensheturnedhereyesonMadamed’Espardwithalookwhichseemedtosay：\"Heisbewitched！\"
DuringthisshortconversationMadamedeCadignanwasprotectedbyMadamed’Espard，whoseprotectionwaslikethatofthelightning-rodwhichdrawstheflash。Whend’ArthezreturnedtothegeneralconversationMaximedeTrailleswassaying：——
\"WithDiane，depravityisnotaneffectbutacause；perhapssheowesthatcausetoherexquisitenature；shedoesn’tinvent，shemakesnoeffort，sheoffersyouthechoicestrefinementsastheinspirationofaspontaneousandnaivelove；anditisabsolutelyimpossiblenottobelieveher。\"
Thisspeech，whichseemedtohavebeenpreparedforamanofd’Arthez’sstamp，wassotremendousanarraignmentthatthecompanyappearedtoacceptitasaconclusion。Noonesaidmore；theprincesswascrushed。D’ArthezlookedstraightatdeTraillesandthenatd’Esgrignonwithasarcasticair，andsaid：——
\"Thegreatestfaultofthatwomanisthatshehasfollowedinthewakeofmen。Shesquanderspatrimoniesastheydo；shedrivesherloverstousurers；shepockets\"dots\"；sheruinsorphans；sheinspires，possiblyshecommits，crimes，but——\"
Neverhadthetwomen，whomd’Arthezwaschieflyaddressing，listenedtosuchplaintalk。AtthatBUTthewholetablewasstartled，everyonepaused，forkinair，theireyesfixedalternatelyonthebraveauthorandontheassailantsoftheprincess，awaitingtheconclusionofthathorriblesilence。
\"But，\"saidd’Arthez，withsarcasticairiness，\"MadamelaPrincessedeCadignanhasoneadvantageovermen：whentheyhaveputthemselvesindangerforhersake，shesavesthem，andsaysnoharmofanyone。
Amongthemultitude，whyshouldn’ttherebeonewomanwhoamusesherselfwithmenasmenamusethemselveswithwomen？Whynotallowthefairsextotake，fromtimetotime，itsrevenge？\"
\"Geniusisstrongerthanwit，\"saidBlondettoNathan。
Thisbroadsideofsarcasmswasinfactthedischargeofabatteryofcannonsagainstaplatoonofmusketry。Whencoffeewasserved，BlondetandNathanwentuptod’Arthezwithaneagernessnooneelsedaredtoimitate，sounableweretherestofthecompanytoshowtheadmirationhisconductinspiredfromthefearofmakingtwopowerfulenemies。
\"Thisisnotthefirsttimewehaveseenthatyourcharacterequalsyourtalentingrandeur，\"saidBlondet。\"Youbehavedjustnowmorelikeademi-godthanaman。Nottohavebeencarriedawaybyyourheartoryourimagination，nottohavetakenupthedefenceofabelovedwoman——afaulttheywereenticingyoutocommit，becauseitwouldhavegiventhosemenofsocietyeatenupwithjealousyofyourliteraryfameatriumphoveryou——ah！givemeleavetosayyouhaveattainedtheheightofprivatestatesmanship。\"
\"Yes，youareastatesman，\"saidNathan。\"Itisascleverasitisdifficulttoavengeawomanwithoutdefendingher。\"
\"Theprincessisoneofthoseheroinesofthelegitimistparty，anditisthedutyofallmenofhonortoprotectherquandmeme，\"repliedd’Arthez，coldly。\"Whatshehasdoneforthecauseofhermasterswouldexcuseallfollies。\"
\"Hekeepshisowncounsel！\"saidNathantoBlondet。
\"Preciselyasiftheprincesswereworthit，\"saidRastignac，joiningtheothertwo。
D’Arthezwenttotheprincess，whowasawaitinghimwiththekeenestanxiety。Theresultofthisexperiment，whichDianehadherselfbroughtabout，mightbefataltoher。Forthefirsttimeinherlifethiswomansufferedinherheart。Sheknewnotwhatsheshoulddoincased’Arthezbelievedtheworldwhichspokethetruth，insteadofbelievingherwholied；forneverhadsonobleanature，socompleteaman，asoulsopure，aconsciencesoingenuouscomebeneathherhand。
Thoughshehadtoldhimcruelliesshewasdriventodosobythedesireofknowingatruelove。Thatlove——shefeltitdawninginherheart；yes，shelovedd’Arthez；andnowshewascondemnedforevertodeceivehim！Shemusthenceforthremaintohimtheactresswhohadplayedthatcomedytoblindhiseyes。
WhensheheardDaniel’sstepinthedining-roomaviolentcommotion，ashudderwhichreachedtoherveryvitalscameoverher。Thatconvulsion，neverfeltduringalltheyearsofheradventurousexistence，toldherthatshehadstakedherhappinessonthisissue。
Hereyes，gazingintospace，tookinthewholeofd’Arthez’sperson；
theirlightpouredthroughhisflesh，shereadhissoul；suspicionhadnotsomuchastouchedhimwithitsbat’s-wing。Theterribleemotionofthatfearthencametoitsreaction；joyalmoststifledher；forthereisnohumanbeingwhoisnotmoreabletoenduregriefthantobearextremefelicity。
\"Daniel，theyhavecalumniatedme，andyouhaveavengedme！\"shecried，rising，andopeningherarmstohim。
Intheprofoundamazementcausedbythesewords，therootsofwhichwereutterlyunknowntohim，Danielallowedhishandtobetakenbetweenherbeautifulhands，astheprincesskissedhimsacredlyontheforehead。
\"But，\"hesaid，\"howcouldyouknow——\"
\"Oh！illustriousninny！doyounotseethatIloveyoufondly？\"
SincethatdaynothinghasbeensaidofthePrincessdeCadignan，norofd’Arthez。TheprincesshasinheritedsomefortunefromhermotherandshespendsallhersummersinavillaonthelakeofGeneva，wherethegreatwriterjoinsher。ShereturnstoParisforafewmonthsinwinter。D’ArthezisneverseenexceptintheChamber。Hiswritingsarebecomingexceedinglyrare。Isthisaconclusion？Yes，forpeopleofsense；no，forpersonswhowanttoknoweverything。
ADDENDUM
ThefollowingpersonagesappearinotherstoriesoftheHumanComedy。
Ajuda-Pinto，MarquisMigueld’
FatherGoriotScenesfromaCourtesan’sLifeBeatrixArthez，Danield’
ADistinguishedProvincialatParisLettersofTwoBridesTheMemberforArcisBianchon，HoraceFatherGoriotTheAtheist’sMassCesarBirotteauTheCommissioninLunacyLostIllusionsADistinguishedProvincialatParisABachelor’sEstablishmentTheGovernmentClerksPierretteAStudyofWomanScenesfromaCourtesan’sLifeHonorineTheSeamySideofHistoryTheMagicSkinASecondHomeAPrinceofBohemiaLettersofTwoBridesTheMuseoftheDepartmentTheImaginaryMistressTheMiddleClassesCousinBettyTheCountryParsonInaddition，M。Bianchonnarratedthefollowing：
AnotherStudyofWomanLaGrandeBretecheBlondet，EmileJealousiesofaCountryTownADistinguishedProvincialatParisScenesfromaCourtesan’sLifeModesteMignonAnotherStudyofWomanADaughterofEveTheFirmofNucingenThePeasantryBlondet，VirginieJealousiesofaCountryTownThePeasantryADistinguishedProvincialatParisAnotherStudyofWomanTheMemberforArcisADaughterofEveCadignan，PrincedeModesteMignonChrestien，MichelABachelor’sEstablishmentADistinguishedProvincialatParisCinq-Cygne，Laurence，Comtesse（afterwardsMarquisede）
TheGondrevilleMysteryTheSeamySideofHistoryTheMemberforArcisDudley，LadyArabellaTheLilyoftheValleyTheBallatSceauxTheMagicSkinADaughterofEveLettersofTwoBridesEsgrignon，Victurnien，Comte（thenMarquisd’）
JealousiesofaCountryTownLettersofTwoBridesAManofBusinessCousinBettyEspard，Chevalierd’
TheCommissioninLunacyScenesfromaCourtesan’sLifeEspard，Jeanne-Clementine-AthenaisdeBlamont-Chauvry，Marquised’
TheCommissioninLunacyADistinguishedProvincialatParisScenesfromaCourtesan’sLifeLettersofTwoBridesAnotherStudyofWomanTheGondrevilleMysteryADaughterofEveBeatrixGalathionne，PrinceandPrincess（bothnotineachstory）
TheMiddleClassesFatherGoriotADistinguishedProvincialatParisADaughterofEveBeatrixGiraud，LeonADistinguishedProvincialatParisABachelor’sEstablishmentTheUnconsciousHumoristsMarsay，HenrideTheThirteenTheUnconsciousHumoristsAnotherStudyofWomanTheLilyoftheValleyFatherGoriotJealousiesofaCountryTownUrsuleMirouetAMarriageSettlementLostIllusionsADistinguishedProvincialatParisLettersofTwoBridesTheBallatSceauxModestMignonTheGondrevilleMysteryADaughterofEveMaufrigneuse，DucdeAStartinLifeABachelor’sEstablishmentScenesfromaCourtesan’sLifeMaufrigneuse，DuchessedeModesteMignonJealousiesofaCountryTownTheMuseoftheDepartmentScenesfromaCourtesan’sLifeLettersofTwoBridesAnotherStudyofWomanTheGondrevilleMysteryTheMemberforArcisMaufrigneuse，GeorgesdeTheGondrevilleMysteryBeatrixTheMemberforArcisMirbel，MadamedeLettersofTwoBridesScenesfromaCourtesan’sLifeNathan，RaoulLostIllusionsADistinguishedProvincialatParisScenesfromaCourtesan’sLifeADaughterofEveLettersofTwoBridesTheSeamySideofHistoryTheMuseoftheDepartmentAPrinceofBohemiaAManofBusinessTheUnconsciousHumoristsNavarreins，DucdeABachelor’sEstablishmentColonelChabertTheMuseoftheDepartmentTheThirteenJealousiesofaCountryTownThePeasantryScenesfromaCourtesan’sLifeTheCountryParsonTheMagicSkinTheGondrevilleMysteryCousinBettyNucingen，BaronFredericdeTheFirmofNucingenFatherGoriotPierretteCesarBirotteauLostIllusionsADistinguishedProvincialatParisScenesfromaCourtesan’sLifeAnotherStudyofWomanAManofBusinessCousinBettyTheMuseoftheDepartmentTheUnconsciousHumoristsRastignac，EugenedeFatherGoriotADistinguishedProvincialatParisScenesfromaCourtesan’sLifeTheBallatSceauxTheInterdictionAStudyofWomanAnotherStudyofWomanTheMagicSkinADaughterofEveTheGondrevilleMysteryTheFirmofNucingenCousinBettyTheMemberforArcisTheUnconsciousHumoristsRochefide，MarquisedeBeatrixADaughterofEveSarrasineAPrinceofBohemiaTillet，FerdinandduCesarBirotteauTheFirmofNucingenTheMiddleClassesABachelor’sEstablishmentPierretteMelmothReconciledADistinguishedProvincialatParisADaughterofEveTheMemberforArcisCousinBettyTheUnconsciousHumoristsToby（Joby，Paddy）
TheFirmofNucingenTrailles，ComteMaximedeCesarBirotteauFatherGoriotGobseckUrsuleMirouetAManofBusinessTheMemberforArcisCousinBettyTheMemberforArcisBeatrixTheUnconsciousHumoristsVandenesse，ComteFelixdeTheLilyoftheValleyLostIllusionsADistinguishedProvincialatParisCesarBirotteauLettersofTwoBridesAStartinLifeTheMarriageSettlementAnotherStudyofWomanTheGondrevilleMysteryADaughterofEveEnd