Utterlyscaredbytheupsanddownsofindustry，sherefusedtheBaron’soffersofhelp，andhethoughtshemustbemad。SheconfirmedthisopinionbyquarrelingwithMonsieurRivet，whoboughtthebusinessofPonsBrothers，andwithwhomtheBaronwishedtoplaceherinpartnership；shewouldbenomorethanaworkwoman。ThustheFischerfamilyhadrelapsedintotheprecariousmediocrityfromwhichBaronHulothadraisedit。
　　ThethreebrothersFischer，whohadbeenruinedbytheabdicationatFontainebleau，indespairjoinedtheirregulartroopsin1815。Theeldest，Lisbeth’sfather，waskilled。Adeline’sfather，sentencedtodeathbycourt-martial，fledtoGermany，anddiedatTrevesin1820。
　　Johann，theyoungest，cametoParis，apetitionertothequeenofthefamily，whowassaidtodineoffgoldandsilverplate，andnevertobeseenatapartybutwithdiamondsinherhairasbigashazel-nuts，giventoherbytheEmperor。
　　JohannFischer，thenagedforty-three，obtainedfromBaronHulotacapitaloftenthousandfrancswithwhichtostartasmallbusinessasforage-dealeratVersailles，underthepatronageoftheWarOffice，throughtheinfluenceofthefriendsstillinoffice，ofthelateCommissary-General。
　　Thesefamilycatastrophes，BaronHulot’sdismissal，andtheknowledgethathewasamerecipherinthatimmensestirofmenandinterestsandthingswhichmakesParisatonceaparadiseandahell，quitequelledLisbethFischer。Shegaveupallideaofrivalryandcomparisonwithhercousinafterfeelinghergreatsuperiority；butenvystilllurkedinherheart，likeaplague-germthatmayhatchanddevastateacityifthefatalbaleofwoolisopenedinwhichitisconcealed。
　　Nowandagain，indeed，shesaidtoherself：”AdelineandIarethesamefleshandblood，ourfatherswerebrothers——andsheisinamansion，whileIaminagarret。”
　　ButeveryNewYearLisbethhadpresentsfromtheBaronandBaroness；
　　theBaron，whowasalwaysgoodtoher，paidforherfirewoodinthewinter；oldGeneralHulothadhertodinneronceaweek；andtherewasalwaysacoverlaidforherathercousin’stable。Theylaughedathernodoubt，buttheyneverwereashamedtoownher。Inshort，theyhadmadeherindependentinParis，whereshelivedasshepleased。
　　Theoldmaidhad，infact，aterrorofanykindoftie。Hercousinhadofferedheraroominherownhouse——Lisbethsuspectedthehalterofdomesticservitude；severaltimestheBaronhadfoundasolutionofthedifficultproblemofhermarriage；butthoughtemptedinthefirstinstance，shewouldpresentlydecline，fearinglestsheshouldbescornedforherwantofeducation，hergeneralignorance，andherpoverty；finally，whentheBaronesssuggestedthatsheshouldlivewiththeiruncleJohann，andkeephouseforhim，insteadoftheupperservant，whomustcosthimdear，Lisbethrepliedthatthatwastheverylastwaysheshouldthinkofmarrying。
　　LisbethFischerhadthesortofstrangenessinherideaswhichisoftennoticeableincharactersthathavedevelopedlate，insavages，whothinkmuchandspeaklittle。Herpeasant’swithadacquiredagooddealofParisianasperityfromhearingthetalkofworkshopsandmixingwithworkmenandworkwomen。She，whosecharacterhadamarkedresemblancetothatoftheCorsicans，workeduponwithoutfruitionbytheinstinctsofastrongnature，wouldhavelikedtobetheprotectressofaweakman；but，asaresultoflivinginthecapital，thecapitalhadalteredhersuperficially。Parisianpolishbecamerustonthiscoarselytemperedsoul。Giftedwithacunningwhichhadbecomeunfathomable，asitalwaysdoesinthosewhosecelibacyisgenuine，withtheoriginalityandsharpnesswithwhichsheclothedherideas，inanyotherpositionshewouldhavebeenformidable。Fullofspite，shewascapableofbringingdiscordintothemostunitedfamily。
　　Inearlydays，whensheindulgedincertainsecrethopeswhichsheconfidedtonone，shetooktowearingstays，anddressinginthefashion，andsoshoneinsplendorforashorttime，thattheBaronthoughthermarriageable。Lisbethatthatstagewasthepiquantebrunetteofold-fashionednovels。Herpiercingglance，heroliveskin，herreed-likefigure，mightinviteahalf-paymajor；butshewassatisfied，shewouldsaylaughing，withherownadmiration。
　　And，indeed，shefoundherlifepleasantenoughwhenshehadfreeditfrompracticalanxieties，forshedinedouteveryeveningafterworkinghardfromsunrise。Thusshehadonlyherrentandhermiddaymealtoprovidefor；shehadmostofherclothesgivenher，andavarietyofveryacceptablestores，suchascoffee，sugar，wine，andsoforth。
　　In1837，afterlivingfortwenty-sevenyears，halfmaintainedbytheHulotsandherUncleFischer，CousinBetty，resignedtobeingnobody，allowedherselftobetreatedso。Sheherselfrefusedtoappearatanygranddinners，preferringthefamilyparty，wheresheheldherownandwassparedallslightstoherpride。
　　Wherevershewent——atGeneralHulot’s，atCrevel’s，atthehouseoftheyoungHulots，oratRivet’sPons’successor，withwhomshemadeupherquarrel，andwhomademuchofher，andattheBaroness’table——shewastreatedasoneofthefamily；infact，shemanagedtomakefriendsoftheservantsbymakingthemanoccasionalsmallpresent，andalwaysgossipingwiththemforafewminutesbeforegoingintothedrawing-room。Thisfamiliarity，bywhichsheuncompromisinglyputherselfontheirlevel，conciliatedtheirservilegood-nature，whichisindispensabletoaparasite。”Sheisagood，steadywoman，”waseverybody’sverdict。
　　Herwillingnesstooblige，whichknewnoboundswhenitwasnotdemandedofher，wasindeed，likeherassumedbluntness，anecessityofherposition。Shehadatlengthunderstoodwhatherlifemustbe，seeingthatshewasateverybody’smercy；andneedingtopleaseeverybody，shewouldlaughwithyoungpeople，wholikedherforasortofwheedlingflatterywhichalwayswinsthem；guessingandtakingpartwiththeirfancies，shewouldmakeherselftheirspokeswoman，andtheythoughtheradelightful/confidante/，sinceshehadnorighttofindfaultwiththem。
　　Herabsolutesecrecyalsowonhertheconfidenceoftheirseniors；
　　for，likeNinon，shehadcertainmanlyqualities。Asarule，ourconfidenceisgiventothosebelowratherthanaboveus。Weemployourinferiorsratherthanourbettersinsecrettransactions，andtheythusbecometherecipientsofourinmostthoughts，andlookonatourmeditations；RichelieuthoughthehadachievedsuccesswhenhewasadmittedtotheCouncil。Thispennilesswomanwassupposedtobesodependentoneveryoneabouther，thatsheseemeddoomedtoperfectsilence。SheherselfcalledherselftheFamilyConfessional。
　　TheBaronessonly，rememberingherill-usageinchildhoodbythecousinwho，thoughyounger，wasstrongerthanherself，neverwhollytrustedher。Besides，outofsheermodesty，shewouldneverhavetoldherdomesticsorrowstoanyonebutGod。
　　ItmayherebewelltoaddthattheBaron’shousepreservedallitsmagnificenceintheeyesofLisbethFischer，whowasnotstruck，astheparvenuperfumerhadbeen，withthepenurystampedontheshabbychairs，thedirtyhangings，andtherippedsilk。Thefurniturewelivewithisinsomesortlikeourownperson；seeingourselveseveryday，weend，liketheBaron，bythinkingourselvesbutlittlealtered，andstillyouthful，whenothersseethatourheadiscoveredwithchinchilla，ourforeheadscarredwithcircumflexaccents，ourstomachassumingtherotundityofapumpkin。Sotheserooms，alwaysblazinginBetty’seyeswiththeBengalfireofImperialvictory，weretoherperenniallysplendid。
　　Astimewenton，Lisbethhadcontractedsomeratherstrangeold-
　　maidishhabits。Forinstance，insteadoffollowingthefashions，sheexpectedthefashiontoacceptherwaysandyieldtoheralwaysout-
　　of-datenotions。WhentheBaronessgaveheraprettynewbonnet，oragowninthefashionoftheday，Bettyremadeitcompletelyathome，andspoiltitbyproducingadressofthestyleoftheEmpireorofheroldLorrainecostume。Athirty-francbonnetcameoutarag，andthegownadisgrace。Onthispoint，Lisbethwasasobstinateasamule；shewouldpleasenoonebutherselfandbelievedherselfcharming；whereasthisassimilativeprocess——harmonious，nodoubt，insofarasthatitstampedherforanoldmaidfromheadtofoot——madehersoridiculous，that，withthebestwillintheworld，noonecouldadmitheronanysmartoccasion。
　　Thisrefractory，capricious，andindependentspirit，andtheinexplicablewildshynessofthewomanforwhomtheBaronhadfourtimesfoundamatch——anemployeinhisoffice，aretiredmajor，anarmycontractor，andahalf-paycaptain——whileshehadrefusedanarmylacemaker，whohadsincemadehisfortune，hadwonherthenameoftheNannyGoat，whichtheBarongaveherinjest。Butthisnicknameonlymetthepeculiaritiesthatlayonthesurface，theeccentricitieswhicheachofusdisplaystohisneighborsinsociallife。Thiswoman，who，ifcloselystudied，wouldhaveshownthemostsavagetraitsofthepeasantclass，wasstillthegirlwhohadclawedhercousin’snose，andwho，ifshehadnotbeentrainedtoreason，wouldperhapshavekilledherinafitofjealousy。
　　Itwasonlyherknowledgeofthelawsandoftheworldthatenabledhertocontroltheswiftinstinctwithwhichcountryfolk，likewildmen，reduceimpulsetoaction。Inthisalone，perhaps，liesthedifferencebetweennaturalandcivilizedman。Thesavagehasonlyimpulse；thecivilizedmanhasimpulsesandideas。Andinthesavagethebrainretains，aswemaysay，butfewimpressions，itiswhollyatthemercyofthefeelingthatrushesinuponit；whileinthecivilizedman，ideassinkintotheheartandchangeit；hehasathousandinterestsandmanyfeelings，wherethesavagehasbutoneatatime。Thisisthecauseofthetransientascendencyofachildoveritsparents，whichceasesassoonasitissatisfied；inthemanwhoisstillonewithnature，thiscontrastisconstant。CousinBetty，asavageofLorraine，somewhattreacheroustoo，wasofthisclassofnatures，whicharecommoneramongthelowerordersthanissupposed，accountingfortheconductofthepopulaceduringrevolutions。
　　Atthetimewhenthis/Drama/opens，ifCousinBettywouldhaveallowedherselftobedressedlikeotherpeople；if，likethewomenofParis，shehadbeenaccustomedtoweareachfashioninitsturn，shewouldhavebeenpresentableandacceptable，butshepreservedthestiffnessofastick。Nowawomandevoidofallthegraces，inParissimplydoesnotexist。Thefinebuthardeyes，theseverefeatures，theCalabrianfixityofcomplexionwhichmadeLisbethlikeafigurebyGiotto，andofwhichatrueParisianwouldhavetakenadvantage，aboveall，herstrangewayofdressing，gavehersuchanextraordinaryappearancethatshesometimeslookedlikeoneofthosemonkeysinpetticoatstakenaboutbylittleSavoyards。Asshewaswellknowninthehousesconnectedbyfamilywhichshefrequented，andrestrictedhersocialeffortstothatlittlecircle，asshelikedherownhome，hersingularitiesnolongerastonishedanybody；andoutofdoorstheywerelostintheimmensestirofParisstreet-life，whereonlyprettywomenareeverlookedat。
　　Hortense’slaughterwasatthismomentcausedbyavictorywonoverherCousinLisbeth’sperversity；shehadjustwrungfromheranavowalshehadbeenhopingforthesethreeyearspast。Howeversecretiveanoldmaidmaybe，thereisonesentimentwhichwillalwaysavailtomakeherbreakherfastfromwords，andthatishervanity。Forthelastthreeyears，Hortense，havingbecomeveryinquisitiveonsuchmatters，hadpesteredhercousinwithquestions，which，however，borethestampofperfectinnocence。Shewantedtoknowwhyhercousinhadnevermarried。Hortense，whoknewofthefiveoffersthatshehadrefused，hadconstructedherlittleromance；shesupposedthatLisbethhadhadapassionateattachment，andawarofbanterwastheresult。
　　Hortensewouldtalkof”Weyounggirls！”whenspeakingofherselfandhercousin。
　　CousinBettyhadonseveraloccasionsansweredinthesametone——”AndwhosaysIhavenotalover？”SoCousinBetty’slover，realorfictitious，becameasubjectofmildjesting。Atlast，aftertwoyearsofthispettywarfare，thelasttimeLisbethhadcometothehouseHortense’sfirstquestionhadbeen：”Andhowisyourlover？””Prettywell，thankyou，”wastheanswer。”Heisratherailing，pooryoungman。””Hehasdelicatehealth？”askedtheBaroness，laughing。”Ishouldthinkso！Heisfair。Asootythinglikemecanlovenonebutafairmanwithacolorlikethemoon。””Butwhoishe？Whatdoeshedo？”askedHortense。”Isheaprince？””Aprinceofartisans，asIamqueenofthebobbin。Isapoorwomanlikemelikelytofindaloverinamanwithafinehouseandmoneyinthefunds，orinadukeoftherealm，orsomePrinceCharmingoutofafairytale？””Oh，Ishouldsomuchliketoseehim！”criedHortense，smiling。”ToseewhatamancanbelikewhocanlovetheNannyGoat？”retortedLisbeth。”Hemustbesomemonsterofanoldclerk，withagoat’sbeard！”
　　Hortensesaidtohermother。”Well，then，youarequitemistaken，mademoiselle。””Thenyoumeanthatyoureallyhavealover？”Hortenseexclaimedintriumph。”Assureasyouhavenot！”retortedLisbeth，nettled。”Butifyouhavealover，whydon’tyoumarryhim，Lisbeth？”saidtheBaroness，shakingherheadatherdaughter。”Wehavebeenhearingrumorsabouthimthesethreeyears。Youhavehadtimetostudyhim；
　　andifhehasbeenfaithfulsolong，youshouldnotpersistinadelaywhichmustbeharduponhim。Afterall，itisamatterofconscience；
　　andifheisyoung，itistimetotakeabrevetofdignity。”
　　CousinBettyhadfixedhergazeonAdeline，andseeingthatshewasjesting，shereplied：”Itwouldbemarryinghungerandthirst；heisaworkman，Iamaworkwoman。Ifwehadchildren，theywouldbeworkmen——No，no；weloveeachotherspiritually；itislessexpensive。””Whydoyoukeephiminhiding？”Hortenseasked。”Hewearsaroundjacket，”repliedtheoldmaid，laughing。”Youtrulylovehim？”theBaronessinquired。”Ibelieveyou！Ilovehimforhisownsake，thedearcherub。Forfouryearshishomehasbeeninmyheart。””Well，then，ifyoulovehimforhimself，”saidtheBaronessgravely，”andifhereallyexists，youaretreatinghimcriminally。Youdonotknowhowtolovetruly。””Weallknowthatfromourbirth，”saidLisbeth。”No，therearewomenwholoveandyetareselfish，andthatisyourcase。”
　　CousinBetty’sheadfell，andherglancewouldhavemadeanyoneshiverwhohadseenit；buthereyeswereonherreelofthread。”Ifyouwouldintroduceyourso-calledlovertous，Hectormightfindhimemployment，orputhiminapositiontomakemoney。””Thatisoutofthequestion，”saidCousinBetty。”Andwhy？””HeisasortofPole——arefugee——””Aconspirator？”criedHortense。”Whatluckforyou！——Hashehadanyadventures？””HehasfoughtforPoland。Hewasaprofessorintheschoolwherethestudentsbegantherebellion；andashehadbeenplacedtherebytheGrandDukeConstantine，hehasnohopeofmercy——””Aprofessorofwhat？””Offinearts。””AndhecametoPariswhentherebellionwasquelled？””In1833。HecamethroughGermanyonfoot。””Pooryoungman！Andhowoldishe？””Hewasjustfour-and-twentywhentheinsurrectionbrokeout——heistwenty-ninenow。””Fifteenyearsyourjunior，”saidtheBaroness。”Andwhatdoesheliveon？”askedHortense。”Histalent。””Oh，hegiveslessons？””No，”saidCousinBetty；”hegetsthem，andhardonestoo！””AndhisChristianname——isitaprettyname？””Wenceslas。””Whatawonderfulimaginationyouoldmaidshave！”exclaimedtheBaroness。”Tohearyoutalk，Lisbeth，onemightreallybelieveyou。””Yousee，mamma，heisaPole，andsoaccustomedtotheknoutthatLisbethremindshimofthejoysofhisnativeland。”
　　Theyallthreelaughed，andHortensesang/Wenceslas！idoledemoname！/insteadof/OMathilde/。
　　Thenforafewminutestherewasatruce。”Thesechildren，”saidCousinBetty，lookingatHortenseasshewentuptoher，”fancythatnoonebutthemselvescanhavelovers。””Listen，”Hortensereplied，findingherselfalonewithhercousin，”ifyouprovetomethatWenceslasisnotapureinvention，Iwillgiveyoumyyellowcashmereshawl。””HeisaCount。””EveryPoleisaCount！””ButheisnotaPole；hecomesfromLiva——Litha——””Lithuania？””No。””Livonia？””Yes，that’sit！””Butwhatishisname？””Iwonderifyouarecapableofkeepingasecret。””CousinBetty，Iwillbeasmute！——””Asafish？””Asafish。””Byyourlifeeternal？””Bymylifeeternal！””No，byyourhappinessinthisworld？””Yes。””Well，then，hisnameisWenceslasSteinbock。””OneofCharlesXII。’sGeneralswasnamedSteinbock。””Hewashisgrand-uncle。HisownfathersettledinLivoniaafterthedeathoftheKingofSweden；buthelostallhisfortuneduringthecampaignof1812，anddied，leavingthepoorboyattheageofeightwithoutapenny。TheGrandDukeConstantine，forthehonorofthenameofSteinbock，tookhimunderhisprotectionandsenthimtoschool。””Iwillnotbreakmyword，”Hortensereplied；”provehisexistence，andyoushallhavetheyellowshawl。Thecolorismostbecomingtodarkskins。””Andyouwillkeepmysecret？””Andtellyoumine。””Well，then，thenexttimeIcomeyoushallhavetheproof。””Buttheproofwillbethelover，”saidHortense。
　　CousinBetty，who，sinceherfirstarrivalinParis，hadbeenbittenbyamaniaforshawls，wasbewitchedbytheideaofowningtheyellowcashmeregiventohiswifebytheBaronin1808，andhandeddownfrommothertodaughterafterthemannerofsomefamiliesin1830。Theshawlhadbeenagooddealworntenyearsago；butthecostlyobject，nowalwayskeptinitssandal-woodbox，seemedtotheoldmaidevernew，likethedrawing-roomfurniture。SoshebroughtinherhandbagapresentfortheBaroness’birthday，bywhichsheproposedtoprovetheexistenceofherromanticlover。
　　Thispresentwasasilversealformedofthreelittlefiguresbacktoback，wreathedwithfoliage，andsupportingtheGlobe。TheyrepresentedFaith，Hope，andCharity；theirfeetrestedonmonstersrendingeachother，amongthemthesymbolicalserpent。In1846，nowthatsuchimmensestrideshavebeenmadeintheartofwhichBenvenutoCelliniwasthemaster，byMademoiselledeFauveau，Wagner，Jeanest，Froment-Meurice，andwood-carverslikeLienard，thislittlemasterpiecewouldamazenobody；butatthattimeagirlwhounderstoodthesilversmith’sartstoodastonishedassheheldthesealwhichLisbethputintoherhands，saying：”There！whatdoyouthinkofthat？”
　　Indesign，attitude，anddraperythefigureswereoftheschoolofRaphael；buttheexecutionwasinthestyleoftheFlorentinemetalworkers——theschoolcreatedbyDonatello，Brunelleschi，Ghiberti，BenvenutoCellini，JohnofBologna，andothers。TheFrenchmastersoftheRenaissancehadneverinventedmorestrangelytwiningmonstersthanthesethatsymbolizedtheevilpassions。Thepalms，ferns，reeds，andfoliagethatwreathedtheVirtuesshowedastyle，ataste，ahandlingthatmighthavedrivenapractisedcraftsmantodespair；ascrollfloatedabovethethreefigures；andonitssurface，betweentheheads，wereaW，achamois，andtheword/fecit/。”Whocarvedthis？”askedHortense。”Well，justmylover，”repliedLisbeth。”Therearetenmonths’workinit；Icouldearnmoreatmakingsword-knots——HetoldmethatSteinbockmeansarockgoat，achamois，inGerman。Andheintendstomarkallhisworkinthatway——Ah，ha！Ishallhavetheshawl。””Whatfor？””DoyousupposeIcouldbuysuchathing，ororderit？Impossible！
　　Well，then，itmusthavebeengiventome。Andwhowouldmakemesuchapresent？Alover！”
　　Hortense，withanartfulnessthatwouldhavefrightenedLisbethFischerifshehaddetectedit，tookcarenottoexpressallheradmiration，thoughshewasfullofthedelightwhicheverysoulthatisopentoasenseofbeautymustfeelonseeingafaultlesspieceofwork——perfectandunexpected。”Onmyword，”saidshe，”itisverypretty。””Yes，itispretty，”saidhercousin；”butIlikeanorange-coloredshawlbetter——Well，child，myloverspendshistimeindoingsuchworkasthat。SincehecametoParishehasturnedoutthreeorfourlittletriflesinthatstyle，andthatisthefruitoffouryears’
　　studyandtoil。Hehasservedasapprenticetofounders，metal-
　　casters，andgoldsmiths——Therehehaspaidawaythousandsandhundredsoffrancs。Andmygentlemantellsmethatinafewmonthsnowhewillbefamousandrich——””Thenyouoftenseehim？””Blessme，doyouthinkitisallafable？Itoldyoutruthinjest。””Andheisinlovewithyou？”askedHortenseeagerly。”Headoresme，”repliedLisbethveryseriously。”Yousee，child，hehadneverseenanywomenbutthewashedout，palethingstheyallareinthenorth，andaslender，brown，youthfulthinglikemewarmedhisheart——But，mum；youpromised，youknow！””Andhewillfarelikethefiveothers，”saidthegirlironically，asshelookedattheseal。”Sixothers，miss。IleftoneinLorraine，who，tothisday，wouldfetchthemoondownforme。””Thisonedoesbetterthanthat，”saidHortense；”hehasbroughtdownthesun。””Wherecanthatbeturnedintomoney？”askedhercousin。”Ittakeswidelandstobenefitbythesunshine。”
　　Thesewitticisms，firedinquickretort，andleadingtothesortofgiddyplaythatmaybeimagined，hadgivencauseforthelaughterwhichhadaddedtotheBaroness’troublesbymakinghercompareherdaughter’sfuturelotwiththepresent，whenshewasfreetoindulgethelight-heartednessofyouth。”Buttogiveyouagemwhichcosthimsixmonthsofwork，hemustbeundersomegreatobligationstoyou？”saidHortense，inwhomthesilversealhadsuggestedveryseriousreflections。”Oh，youwanttoknowtoomuchatonce！”saidhercousin。”But，listen，Iwillletyouintoalittleplot。””Isyourloverinittoo？””Oh，ho！youwantsomuchtoseehim！But，asyoumaysuppose，anoldmaidlikeCousinBetty，whohadmanagedtokeepaloverforfiveyears，keepshimwellhidden——Now，justletmealone。Yousee，Ihaveneithercatnorcanary，neitherdognoraparrot，andtheoldNannyGoatwantedsomethingtopetandtease——soItreatedmyselftoaPolishCount。””Hasheamoustache？””Aslongasthat，”saidLisbeth，holdinguphershuttlefilledwithgoldthread。Shealwaystookherlace-workwithher，andworkedtilldinnerwasserved。”Ifyouasktoomanyquestions，youwillbetoldnothing，”shewenton。”Youarebuttwo-and-twenty，andyouchattermorethanIdothoughIamforty-two——nottosayforty-three。””Iamlistening；Iamawoodenimage，”saidHortense。”Myloverhasfinishedabronzegrouptenincheshigh，”Lisbethwenton。”ItrepresentsSamsonslayingalion，andhehaskeptitburiedtillitissorustythatyoumightbelieveittobeasoldasSamsonhimself。ThisfinepieceisshownattheshopofoneoftheoldcuriositysellersonthePlaceduCarrousel，nearmylodgings。Now，yourfatherknowsMonsieurPopinot，theMinisterofCommerceandAgriculture，andtheComtedeRastignac，andifhewouldmentionthegrouptothemasafineantiquehehadseenbychance！Itseemsthatsuchthingstakethefancyofyourgrandfolks，whodon’tcaresomuchaboutgoldlace，andthatmyman’sfortunewouldbemadeifoneofthemwouldbuyorevenlookatthewretchedpieceofmetal。Thepoorfellowissurethatitmightbemistakenforoldwork，andthattherubbishisworthagreatdealofmoney。Andthen，ifoneoftheministersshouldpurchasethegroup，hewouldgotopayhisrespects，andprovethathewasthemaker，andbealmostcarriedintriumph！Oh！
　　hebelieveshehasreachedthepinnacle；pooryoungman，andheisasproudastwonewly-madeCounts。””MichaelAngelooveragain；but，foralover，hehaskepthisheadonhisshoulders！”saidHortense。”Andhowmuchdoeshewantforit？””Fifteenhundredfrancs。Thedealerwillnotletitgoforless，sincehemusttakehiscommission。””PapaisintheKing’shouseholdjustnow，”saidHortense。”HeseesthosetwoministerseverydayattheChamber，andhewilldothething——Iundertakethat。Youwillbearichwoman，MadamelaComtessedeSteinbock。””No，theboyistoolazy；forwholeweekshesitstwiddlingwithbitsofredwax，andnothingcomesofit。Why，hespendsallhisdaysattheLouvreandtheLibrary，lookingatprintsandsketchingthings。Heisanidler！”
　　Thecousinschattedandgiggled；Hortenselaughingaforcedlaugh，forshewasinvadedbyakindoflovewhicheverygirlhasgonethrough——
　　theloveoftheunknown，loveinitsvaguestform，wheneverythoughtisaccretedroundsomeformwhichissuggestedbyachanceword，astheefflorescenceofhoar-frostgathersaboutastrawthatthewindhasblownagainstthewindow-sill。
　　Forthepasttenmonthsshehadmadearealityofhercousin’simaginaryromance，believing，likehermother，thatLisbethwouldnevermarry；andnow，withinaweek，thisvisionarybeinghadbecomeComteWenceslasSteinbock，thedreamhadacertificateofbirth，thewraithhadsolidifiedintoayoungmanofthirty。Thesealsheheldinherhand——asortofAnnunciationinwhichgeniusshonelikeanimmanentlight——hadthepowersofatalisman。Hortensefeltsuchasurgeofhappiness，thatshealmostdoubtedwhetherthetaleweretrue；therewasafermentinherblood，andshelaughedwildlytodeceivehercousin。”ButIthinkthedrawing-roomdoorisopen，”saidLisbeth；”letusgoandseeifMonsieurCrevelisgone。””Mammahasbeenverymuchoutofspiritsthesetwodays。Isupposethemarriageunderdiscussionhascometonothing！””Oh，itmaycomeonagain。Heis——Imaytellyousomuch——aCouncilloroftheSupremeCourt。HowwouldyouliketobeMadamelaPresidente？
　　IfMonsieurCrevelhasafingerinit，hewilltellmeaboutitifI
　　askhim。Ishallknowbyto-morrowifthereisanyhope。””Leavethesealwithme，”saidHortense；”Iwillnotshowit——mamma’sbirthdayisnotforamonthyet；Iwillgiveittoyouthatmorning。””No，no。Giveitbacktome；itmusthaveacase。””ButIwillletpapaseeit，thathemayknowwhatheistalkingabouttotheministers，formeninauthoritymustbecarefulwhattheysay，”
　　urgedthegirl。”Well，donotshowittoyourmother——thatisallIask；forifshebelievedIhadalover，shewouldmakegameofme。””Ipromise。”
　　Thecousinsreachedthedrawing-roomjustastheBaronessturnedfaint。Herdaughter’scryofalarmrecalledhertoherself。Lisbethwentofftofetchsomesalts。Whenshecameback，shefoundthemotheranddaughterineachother’sarms，theBaronesssoothingherdaughter’sfears，andsaying：”Itwasnothing；alittlenervousattack——Thereisyourfather，”sheadded，recognizingtheBaron’swayofringingthebell。”Saynotawordtohim。”
　　Adelineroseandwenttomeetherhusband，intendingtotakehimintothegardenandtalktohimtilldinnershouldbeservedofthedifficultiesabouttheproposedmatch，gettinghimtocometosomedecisionastothefuture，andtryingtohintatsomewarningadvice。
　　BaronHectorHulotcamein，inadressatoncelawyer-likeandNapoleonic，forImperialmen——menwhohadbeenattachedtotheEmperor——wereeasilydistinguishablebytheirmilitarydeportment，theirbluecoatswithgiltbuttons，buttonedtothechin，theirblacksilkstock，andanauthoritativedemeanoracquiredfromahabitofcommandincircumstancesrequiringdespoticrapidity。TherewasnothingoftheoldmanintheBaron，itmustbeadmitted；hissightwasstillsogood，thathecouldreadwithoutspectacles；hishandsomeovalface，framedinwhiskersthatwereindeedtooblack，showedabrilliantcomplexion，ruddywiththeveinsthatcharacterizeasanguinetemperament；andhisstomach，keptinorderbyabelt，hadnotexceededthelimitsof”themajestic，”asBrillat-Savarinsays。AfinearistocraticairandgreataffabilityservedtoconcealthelibertinewithwhomCrevelhadhadsuchhightimes。Hewasoneofthosemenwhoseeyesalwayslightupatthesightofaprettywoman，evenofsuchasmerelypassby，nevertobeseenagain。”Haveyoubeenspeaking，mydear？”askedAdeline，seeinghimwithananxiousbrow。”No，”repliedHector，”butIamwornoutwithhearingothersspeakfortwohourswithoutcomingtoavote。Theycarryonawarofwords，inwhichtheirspeechesarelikeacavalrychargewhichhasnoeffectontheenemy。Talkhastakentheplaceofaction，whichgoesverymuchagainstthegrainwithmenwhoareaccustomedtomarchingorders，asI
　　saidtotheMarshalwhenIlefthim。However，Ihaveenoughofbeingboredontheministers’bench；hereImayplay——Howdo，laChevre！——
　　Goodmorning，littlekid，”andhetookhisdaughterroundtheneck，kissedher，andmadehersitonhisknee，restingherheadonhisshoulder，thathemightfeelhersoftgoldenhairagainsthischeek。”Heistiredandworried，”saidhiswifetoherself。”Ishallonlyworryhimmore——Iwillwait——Areyougoingtobeathomethisevening？”sheaskedhim。”No，children。AfterdinnerImustgoout。IfithadnotbeenthedaywhenLisbethandthechildrenandmybrothercometodinner，youwouldnothaveseenmeatall。”
　　TheBaronesstookupthenewspaper，lookeddownthelistoftheatres，andlaiditdownagainwhenshehadseenthatRobert/leDiable/wastobegivenattheOpera。Josepha，whohadlefttheItalianOperasixmonthssincefortheFrenchOpera，wastotakethepartofAlice。
　　ThislittlepantomimedidnotescapetheBaron，wholookedhardathiswife。Adelinecastdownhereyesandwentoutintothegarden；herhusbandfollowedher。”Come，whatisit，Adeline？”saidhe，puttinghisarmroundherwaistandpressinghertohisside。”DonotyouknowthatIloveyoumorethan——””MorethanJennyCadineorJosepha！”saidshe，boldlyinterruptinghim。”Whoputthatintoyourhead？”exclaimedtheBaron，releasinghiswife，andstartingbackasteportwo。”Igotananonymousletter，whichIburntatonce，inwhichIwastold，mydear，thatthereasonHortense’smarriagewasbrokenoffwasthepovertyofourcircumstances。Yourwife，mydearHector，wouldneverhavesaidaword；sheknewofyourconnectionwithJennyCadine，anddidsheevercomplain？——ButasthemotherofHortense，Iamboundtospeakthetruth。”
　　Hulot，afterashortsilence，whichwasterribletohiswife，whoseheartbeatloudenoughtobeheard，openedhisarms，claspedhertohisheart，kissedherforehead，andsaidwiththevehemenceofenthusiasm：”Adeline，youareanangel，andIamawretch——””No，no，”criedtheBaroness，hastilylayingherhanduponhislipstohinderhimfromspeakingevilofhimself。”Yes，forIhavenotatthismomentasoutogivetoHortense，andI
　　ammostunhappy。Butsinceyouopenyourhearttome，Imaypourintoitthetroublethatiscrushingme——YourUncleFischerisindifficulties，anditisIwhodraggedhimthere，forhehasacceptedbillsformetotheamountoftwenty-fivethousandfrancs！Andallforawomanwhodeceivesme，wholaughsatmebehindmyback，andcallsmeanolddyedTom。Itisfrightful！Avicewhichcostsmemorethanitwouldtomaintainafamily！——AndIcannotresist！——IwouldpromiseyouhereandnownevertoseethatabominableJewessagain；butifshewrotemetwolines，Ishouldgotoher，aswemarchedintofireundertheEmperor。””Donotbesodistressed，”criedthepoorwomanindespair，butforgettingherdaughterasshesawthetearsinherhusband’seyes。”Therearemydiamonds；whateverhappens，savemyuncle。””Yourdiamondsareworthscarcelytwentythousandfrancsnowadays。
　　ThatwouldnotbeenoughforoldFischer，sokeepthemforHortense；I
　　willseetheMarshalto-morrow。””Mypoordear！”saidtheBaroness，takingherHector’shandsandkissingthem。
　　Thiswasallthescoldinghegot。Adelinesacrificedherjewels，thefathermadethemapresenttoHortense，sheregardedthisasasublimeaction，andshewashelpless。”Heisthemaster；hecouldtakeeverything，andheleavesmemydiamonds；heisdivine！”
　　Thiswasthecurrentofherthoughts；andindeedthewifehadgainedmorebyhersweetnessthananotherperhapscouldhaveachievedbyafitofangryjealousy。
　　Themoralistcannotdenythat，asarule，well-bredthoughverywickedmenarefarmoreattractiveandlovablethanvirtuousmen；havingcrimestoatonefor，theycraveindulgencebyanticipation，bybeinglenienttotheshortcomingsofthosewhojudgethem，andtheyarethoughtmostkind。Thoughtherearenodoubtsomecharmingpeopleamongthevirtuous，Virtueconsidersitselffairenough，unadorned，tobeatnopainstoplease；andthenallreallyvirtuouspersons，forthehypocritesdonotcount，havesomeslightdoubtsastotheirposition；theybelievethattheyarecheatedinthebargainoflifeonthewhole，andtheyindulgeinacidcommentsafterthefashionofthosewhothinkthemselvesunappreciated。
　　HencetheBaron，whoaccusedhimselfofruininghisfamily，displayedallhischarmofwitandhismostseductivegracesforthebenefitofhiswife，forhischildren，andhisCousinLisbeth。
　　Then，whenhissonarrivedwithCelestine，Crevel’sdaughter，whowasnursingtheinfantHulot，hewasdelightfultohisdaughter-in-law，loadingherwithcompliments——atreattowhichCelestine’svanitywaslittleaccustomedfornomoneyedbridemorecommonplaceormoreutterlyinsignificantwaseverseen。Thegrandfathertookthebabyfromher，kissedit，declareditwasabeautyandadarling；hespoketoitinbabylanguage，prophesiedthatitwouldgrowtobetallerthanhimself，insinuatedcomplimentsforhisson’sbenefit，andrestoredthechildtotheNormandynursewhohadchargeofit。
　　Celestine，onherpart，gavetheBaronessalook，asmuchastosay，”Whatadelightfulman！”andshenaturallytookherfather-in-law’spartagainstherfather。
　　Afterthusplayingthecharmingfather-in-lawandtheindulgentgrandpapa，theBarontookhissonintothegarden，andlaidbeforehimavarietyofobservationsfullofgoodsenseastotheattitudetobetakenupbytheChamberonacertainticklishquestionwhichhadthatmorningcomeunderdiscussion。Theyounglawyerwasstruckwithadmirationforthedepthofhisfather’sinsight，touchedbyhiscordiality，andespeciallybythedeferentialtonewhichseemedtoplacethetwomenonafootingofequality。
　　MonsieurHulot/junior/wasineveryrespecttheyoungFrenchman，ashehasbeenmouldedbytheRevolutionof1830；hismindinfatuatedwithpolitics，respectfulofhisownhopes，andconcealingthemunderanaffectationofgravity，veryenviousofsuccessfulmen，makingsententiousnessdothedutyofwittyrejoinders——thegemsoftheFrenchlanguage——withahighsenseofimportance，andmistakingarrogancefordignity。
　　Suchmenarewalkingcoffins，eachcontainingaFrenchmanofthepast；
　　nowandagaintheFrenchmanwakesupandkicksagainsthisEnglish-
　　madecasing；butambitionstifleshim，andhesubmitstobesmothered。
　　Thecoffinisalwayscoveredwithblackcloth。”Ah，hereismybrother！”saidBaronHulot，goingtomeettheCountatthedrawing-roomdoor。
　　HavinggreetedtheprobablesuccessorofthelateMarshalMontcornet，heledhimforwardbythearmwitheveryshowofaffectionandrespect。
　　Theolderman，amemberoftheChamberofPeers，butexcusedfromattendanceonaccountofhisdeafness，hadahandsomehead，chilledbyage，butwithenoughgrayhairstilltobemarkedinacirclebythepressureofhishat。Hewasshort，square，andshrunken，butcarriedhishaleoldagewithafree-and-easyair；andashewasfullofexcessiveactivity，whichhadnownopurpose，hedividedhistimebetweenreadingandtakingexercise。Inadrawing-roomhedevotedhisattentiontowaitingonthewishesoftheladies。”Youareverymerryhere，”saidhe，seeingthattheBaronshedaspiritofanimationonthelittlefamilygathering。”AndyetHortenseisnotmarried，”headded，noticingatraceofmelancholyonhissister-in-law’scountenance。”Thatwillcomeallingoodtime，”Lisbethshoutedinhisearinaformidablevoice。”Sothereyouare，youwretchedseedlingthatcouldneverblossom，”
　　saidhe，laughing。
　　TheheroofForzheimratherlikedCousinBetty，fortherewerecertainpointsofresemblancebetweenthem。Amanoftheranks，withoutanyeducation，hiscouragehadbeenthesolemainspringofhismilitarypromotion，andsoundsensehadtakentheplaceofbrilliancy。Ofthehighesthonorandclean-handed，hewasendinganoblelifeinfullcontentmentinthecentreofhisfamily，whichclaimedallhisaffections，andwithoutasuspicionofhisbrother’sstillundiscoveredmisconduct。Nooneenjoyedmorethanhethepleasingsightofthisfamilyparty，wherethereneverwasthesmallestdisagreement，forthebrothersandsisterswereallequallyattached，Celestinehavingbeenatonceacceptedasoneofthefamily。ButtheworthylittleCountwonderednowandthenwhyMonsieurCrevelneverjoinedtheparty。”Papaisinthecountry，”Celestineshouted，anditwasexplainedtohimthattheex-perfumerwasawayfromhome。
　　ThisperfectunionofallherfamilymadeMadameHulotsaytoherself，”This，afterall，isthebestkindofhappiness，andwhocandepriveusofit？”
　　TheGeneral，onseeinghisfavoriteAdelinetheobjectofherhusband’sattentions，laughedsomuchaboutitthattheBaron，fearingtoseemridiculous，transferredhisgallantriestohisdaughter-in-
　　law，whoatthesefamilydinnerswasalwaystheobjectofhisflatteryandkindcare，forhehopedtowinCrevelbackthroughher，andmakehimforegohisresentment。
　　Anyoneseeingthisdomesticscenewouldhavefoundithardtobelievethatthefatherwasathiswits’end，themotherindespair，thesonanxiousbeyondwordsastohisfather’sfuturefate，andthedaughteronthepointofrobbinghercousinofherlover。
　　Atseveno’clocktheBaron，seeinghisbrother，hisson，theBaroness，andHortenseallengagedatwhist，wentofftoapplaudhismistressattheOpera，takingwithhimLisbethFischer，wholivedintheRueduDoyenne，andwhoalwaysmadeanexcuseofthesolitudeofthatdesertedquartertotakeherselfoffassoonasdinnerwasover。
　　Parisianswillalladmitthattheoldmaid’sprudencewasbutrational。
　　TheexistenceofthemazeofhousesunderthewingoftheoldLouvreisoneofthoseprotestsagainstobviousgoodsensewhichFrenchmenlove，thatEuropemayreassureitselfastothequantumofbrainstheyareknowntohave，andnotbetoomuchalarmed。Perhapswithoutknowingit，thisrevealssomeprofoundpoliticalidea。
　　ItwillsurelynotbeaworkofsupererogationtodescribethispartofParisasitisevennow，whenwecouldhardlyexpectitssurvival；
　　andourgrandsons，whowillnodoubtseetheLouvrefinished，mayrefusetobelievethatsucharelicofbarbarismshouldhavesurvivedforsix-and-thirtyyearsintheheartofParisandinthefaceofthepalacewherethreedynastiesofkingshavereceived，duringthosethirty-sixyears，theeliteofFranceandofEurope。
　　BetweenthelittlegateleadingtotheBridgeoftheCarrouselandtheRueduMusee，everyonehavingcometoParis，wereitbutforafewdays，musthaveseenadozenofhouseswithadecayedfrontagewherethedejectedownershaveattemptednorepairs，theremainsofanoldblockofbuildingsofwhichthedestructionwasbegunatthetimewhenNapoleondeterminedtocompletetheLouvre。Thisstreet，andtheblindalleyknownastheImpasseduDoyenne，aretheonlypassagesintothisgloomyandforsakenblock，inhabitedperhapsbyghosts，forthereneverisanybodytobeseen。ThepavementismuchbelowthefootwayoftheRueduMusee，onalevelwiththatoftheRueFroidmanteau。Thus，halfsunkenbytheraisingofthesoil，thesehousesarealsowrappedintheperpetualshadowcastbytheloftybuildingsoftheLouvre，darkenedonthatsidebythenorthernblast。Darkness，silence，anicychill，andthecavernousdepthofthesoilcombinetomakethesehousesakindofcrypt，tombsoftheliving。Aswedriveinahackneycabpastthisdead-alivespot，andchancetolookdownthelittleRueduDoyenne，ashudderfreezesthesoul，andwewonderwhocanliethere，andwhatthingsmaybedonethereatnight，atanhourwhenthealleyisacut-throatpit，andthevicesofParisrunriotthereunderthecloakofnight。Thisquestion，frightfulinitself，becomesappallingwhenwenotethatthesedwelling-housesareshutinonthesidetowardstheRuedeRichelieubymarshyground，byaseaoftumbledpaving-stonesbetweenthemandtheTuileries，bylittlegarden-plotsandsuspicious-lookinghovelsonthesideofthegreatgalleries，andbyadesertofbuilding-stoneandoldrubbishonthesidetowardstheoldLouvre。HenriIII。andhisfavoritesinsearchoftheirtrunk-hose，andMarguerite’sloversinsearchoftheirheads，mustdancesarabandsbymoonlightinthiswildernessoverlookedbytheroofofachapelstillstandingthereasiftoprovethattheCatholicreligion——sodeeplyrootedinFrance——survivesallelse。
　　ForfortyyearsnowhastheLouvrebeencryingoutbyeverygapinthesedamagedwalls，byeveryyawningwindow，”Ridmeofthesewartsuponmyface！”Thiscutthroatlanehasnodoubtbeenregardedasuseful，andhasbeenthoughtnecessaryassymbolizingintheheartofParistheintimateconnectionbetweenpovertyandthesplendorthatischaracteristicofthequeenofcities。Andindeedthesechillruins，amongwhichtheLegitimistnewspapercontractedthediseaseitisdyingof——theabominablehovelsoftheRueduMusee，andthehoardingappropriatedbytheshopstallsthatflourishthere——willperhapslivelongerandmoreprosperouslythanthreesuccessivedynasties。
　　In1823thelowrentsinthesealreadycondemnedhouseshadtemptedLisbethFischertosettlethere，notwithstandingthenecessityimposeduponherbythestateoftheneighborhoodtogethomebeforenightfall。Thisnecessity，however，wasinaccordancewiththecountryhabitssheretained，ofrisingandgoingtobedwiththesun，anarrangementwhichsavescountryfolkconsiderablesumsinlightsandfuel。Shelivedinoneofthehouseswhich，sincethedemolitionofthefamousHotelCambaceres，commandaviewofthesquare。
　　JustasBaronHulotsethiswife’scousindownatthedoorofthishouse，saying，”Good-night，Cousin，”anelegant-lookingwoman，young，small，slender，pretty，beautifullydressed，andredolentofsomedelicateperfume，passedbetweenthewallandthecarriagetogoin。
　　Thislady，withoutanypremeditation，glancedupattheBaronmerelytoseethelodger’scousin，andthelibertineatoncefelttheswiftimpressionwhichallParisiansknowonmeetingaprettywoman，realizing，asentomologistshaveit，their/desiderata/；sohewaitedtoputononeofhisgloveswithjudiciousdeliberationbeforegettingintothecarriageagain，togivehimselfanexcuseforallowinghiseyetofollowtheyoungwoman，whoseskirtswerepleasinglysetoutbysomethingelsethantheseodiousanddelusivecrinolinebustles。”That，”saidhetohimself，”isanicelittlepersonwhosehappinessI
　　shouldliketoprovidefor，asshewouldcertainlysecuremine。”
　　Whentheunknownfairhadgoneintothehallatthefootofthestairsgoinguptothefrontrooms，sheglancedatthegateoutofthecornerofhereyewithoutpreciselylookinground，andshecouldseetheBaronrivetedtothespotinadmiration，consumedbycuriosityanddesire。ThisistoeveryParisianwomanasortofflowerwhichshesmellsatwithdelight，ifshemeetsitonherway。Nay，certainwomen，thoughfaithfultotheirduties，pretty，andvirtuous，comehomemuchputoutiftheyhavefailedtocullsuchaposyinthecourseoftheirwalk。
　　Theladyranupstairs，andinamomentawindowonthesecondfloorwasthrownopen，andsheappearedatit，butaccompaniedbyamanwhosebaldheadandsomewhatscowlinglooksannouncedhimasherhusband。”Iftheyaren’tsharpandingenious，thecunningjades！”thoughttheBaron。”Shedoesthattoshowmewhereshelives。Butthisisgettingratherwarm，especiallyforthispartofParis。Wemustmindwhatweareat。”
　　Ashegotintothe/milord/，helookedup，andtheladyandthehusbandhastilyvanished，asthoughtheBaron’sfacehadaffectedthemlikethemythologicalheadofMedusa。”Itwouldseemthattheyknowme，”thoughttheBaron。”Thatwouldaccountforeverything。”
　　AsthecarriagewentuptheRueduMusee，heleanedforwardtoseetheladyagain，andinfactshewasagainatthewindow。Ashamedofbeingcaughtgazingatthehoodunderwhichheradmirerwassitting，theunknownstartedbackatonce。”Nannyshalltellmewhoitis，”saidtheBarontohimself。
　　ThesightoftheGovernmentofficialhad，aswillbeseen，madeadeepimpressiononthiscouple。”Why，itisBaronHulot，thechiefofthedepartmenttowhichmyofficebelongs！”exclaimedthehusbandasheleftthewindow。”Well，Marneffe，theoldmaidonthethirdflooratthebackofthecourtyard，wholiveswiththatyoungman，ishiscousin。Isitnotoddthatweshouldneverhaveknownthattillto-day，andnowfinditoutbychance？””MademoiselleFischerlivingwithayoungman？”repeatedthehusband。”Thatisporter’sgossip；donotspeaksolightlyofthecousinofaCouncillorofStatewhocanblowhotandcoldintheofficeashepleases。Now，cometodinner；Ihavebeenwaitingforyousincefouro’clock。”
　　Pretty——verypretty——MadameMarneffe，thenaturaldaughterofComteMontcornet，oneofNapoleon’smostfamousofficers，had，onthestrengthofamarriageportionoftwentythousandfrancs，foundahusbandinaninferiorofficialattheWarOffice。Throughtheinterestofthefamouslieutenant-general——mademarshalofFrancesixmonthsbeforehisdeath——thisquill-driverhadrisentounhoped-fordignityashead-clerkofhisoffice；butjustashewastobepromotedtobedeputy-chief，themarshal’sdeathhadcutoffMarneffe’sambitionsandhiswife’sattheroot。TheverysmallsalaryenjoyedbySieurMarneffehadcompelledthecoupletoeconomizeinthematterofrent；forinhishandsMademoiselleValerieFortin’sfortunehadalreadymeltedaway——partlyinpayinghisdebts，andpartlyinthepurchaseofnecessariesforfurnishingahouse，butchieflyingratifyingtherequirementsofaprettyyoungwife，accustomedinhermother’shousetoluxuriesshedidnotchoosetodispensewith。ThesituationoftheRueduDoyenne，withineasydistanceoftheWarOffice，andthegaypartofParis，smiledonMonsieurandMadameMarneffe，andforthelastfouryearstheyhaddweltunderthesameroofasLisbethFischer。
　　MonsieurJean-Paul-StanislasMarneffewasoneoftheclassofemployeswhoescapesheerbrutishnessbythekindofpowerthatcomesofdepravity。Thesmall，leancreature，withthinhairandastarvedbeard，anunwholesomepastyface，wornratherthanwrinkled，withred-
　　liddedeyesharnessedwithspectacles，shufflinginhisgait，andyetmeanerinhisappearance，realizedthetypeofmanthatanyonewouldconceiveofaslikelytobeplacedinthedockforanoffenceagainstdecency。
　　TheroomsinhabitedbythiscouplehadtheillusoryappearanceofshamluxuryseeninmanyParishomes，andtypicalofacertainclassofhousehold。Inthedrawing-room，thefurniturecoveredwithshabbycottonvelvet，theplasterstatuettespretendingtobeFlorentinebronze，theclumsycastchandeliermerelylacquered，withcheapglasssaucers，thecarpet，whosesmallcostwasaccountedforinadvancinglifebythequalityofcottonusedinthemanufacture，nowvisibletothenakedeye，——everything，downtothecurtains，whichplainlyshowedthatworsteddamaskhasnotthreeyearsofprime，proclaimedpovertyasloudlyasabeggarinragsatachurchdoor。
　　Thedining-room，badlykeptbyasingleservant，hadthesickeningaspectofacountryinn；everythinglookedgreasyandunclean。
　　Monsieur’sroom，verylikeaschoolboy’s，furnishedwiththebedandfittingsremainingfromhisbachelordays，asshabbyandwornashewas，dustedperhapsonceaweek——thathorribleroomwhereeverythingwasinalitter，witholdsockshangingoverthehorsehair-seatedchairs，thepatternoutlinedindust，wasthatofamantowhomhomeisamatterofindifference，wholivesoutofdoors，gamblingincafesorelsewhere。
　　Madame’sroomwasanexceptiontothesqualidslovenlinessthatdisgracedthelivingrooms，wherethecurtainswereyellowwithsmokeanddust，andwherethechild，evidentlylefttohimself，litteredeveryspotwithhistoys。Valerie’sroomanddressing-roomweresituatedinthepartofthehousewhich，ononesideofthecourtyard，joinedthefronthalf，lookingoutonthestreet，tothewingformingtheinnersideofthecourtbackingagainsttheadjoiningproperty。
　　Handsomelyhungwithchintz，furnishedwithrosewood，andthicklycarpeted，theyproclaimedthemselvesasbelongingtoaprettywoman——
　　andindeedsuggestedthekeptmistress。Aclockinthefashionablestylestoodonthevelvet-coveredmantelpiece。Therewasanicelyfittedcabinet，andtheChineseflower-standswerehandsomelyfilled。
　　Thebed，thetoilet-table，thewardrobewithitsmirror，thelittlesofa，andallthelady’sfripperyborethestampoffashionorcaprice。Thougheverythingwasquitethird-rateastoeleganceorquality，andnothingwasabsolutelynewerthanthreeyearsold，adandywouldhavehadnofaulttofindbutthatthetasteofallthisluxurywascommonplace。Art，andthedistinctionthatcomesofthechoiceofthingsthattasteassimilates，wasentirelywanting。A
　　doctorofsocialsciencewouldhavedetectedaloverintwoorthreespecimensofcostlytrumpery，whichcouldonlyhavecometherethroughthatdemi-god——alwaysabsent，butalwayspresentiftheladyismarried。
　　Thedinner，fourhoursbehindtime，towhichthehusband，wife，andchildsatdown，betrayedthefinancialstraitsinwhichthehouseholdfounditself，forthetableisthesurestthermometerforgaugingtheincomeofaParisianfamily。Vegetablesoupmadewiththewaterharicotbeanshadbeenboiledin，apieceofstewedvealandpotatoessoddenwithwaterbywayofgravy，adishofharicotbeans，andcheapcherries，servedandeatenincrackedplatesanddishes，withthedull-lookinganddull-soundingforksofGermansilver——wasthisabanquetworthyofthisprettyyoungwoman？TheBaronwouldhaveweptcouldhehaveseenit。Thedingydecanterscouldnotdisguisethevilehueofwineboughtbythepintatthenearestwineshop。Thetable-
　　napkinshadseenaweek’suse。Inshort，everythingbetrayedundignifiedpenury，andtheequalindifferenceofthehusbandandwifetothedecenciesofhome。Themostsuperficialobserveronseeingthemwouldhavesaidthatthesetwobeingshadcometothestagewhenthenecessityoflivinghadpreparedthemforanykindofdishonorthatmightbringlucktothem。Valerie’sfirstwordstoherhusbandwillexplainthedelaythathadpostponedthedinnerbythenotdisinteresteddevotionofthecook。”Samanonwillonlytakeyourbillsatfiftypercent，andinsistsonalienonyoursalaryassecurity。”
　　Sopoverty，stillunconfessedinthehouseofthesuperiorofficial，andhiddenunderastipendoftwenty-fourthousandfrancs，irrespectiveofpresents，hadreacheditsloweststageinthatoftheclerk。”Youhavecaughtonwiththechief，”saidtheman，lookingathiswife。”Iratherthinkso，”repliedshe，understandingthefullmeaningofhisslangexpression。”Whatistobecomeofus？”Marneffewenton。”Thelandlordwillbedownonusto-morrow。Andtothinkofyourfatherdyingwithoutmakingawill！Onmyhonor，thosemenoftheEmpireallthinkthemselvesasimmortalastheirEmperor。””Poorfather！”saidshe。”Iwashisonlychild，andhewasveryfondofme。TheCountessprobablyburnedthewill。Howcouldheforgetmewhenheusedtogiveusasmuchasthreeorfourthousand-francnotesatonce，fromtimetotime？””Weowefourquarters’rent，fifteenhundredfrancs。Isthefurnitureworthsomuch？/Thatisthequestion/，asShakespearesays。””Now，good-bye，ducky！”saidValerie，whohadonlyeatenafewmouthfulsoftheveal，fromwhichthemaidhadextractedallthegravyforabravesoldierjusthomefromAlgiers。”Greatevilsdemandheroicremedies。””Valerie，whereareyouoffto？”criedMarneffe，standingbetweenhiswifeandthedoor。”Iamgoingtoseethelandlord，”shereplied，arrangingherringletsunderhersmartbonnet。”Youhadbettertrytomakefriendswiththatoldmaid，ifshereallyisyourchief’scousin。”
　　Theignoranceinwhichthedwellersunderoneroofcanexistastothesocialpositionoftheirfellow-lodgersisapermanentfactwhich，asmuchasanyother，showswhattherushofParislifeis。Still，itiseasilyconceivablethataclerkwhogoesearlyeverymorningtohisoffice，comeshomeonlytodinner，andspendseveryeveningout，andawomanswallowedupinaroundofpleasures，shouldknownothingofanoldmaidlivingonthethirdfloorbeyondthecourtyardofthehousetheydwellin，especiallywhenshelivesasMademoiselleFischerdid。
　　Upinthemorningbeforeanyoneelse，Lisbethwentouttobuyherbread，milk，andlivecharcoal，neverspeakingtoanyone，andshewenttobedwiththesun；sheneverhadaletteroravisitor，norchattedwithherneighbors。Herewasoneofthoseanonymous，entomologicalexistencessuchasaretobemetwithinmanylargetenementswhere，attheendoffouryears，youunexpectedlylearnthatuponthefourthfloorthereisanoldmanlodgingwhoknewVoltaire，PilatredeRozier，Beaujon，Marcel，Mole，SophieArnould，Franklin，andRobespierre。WhatMonsieurandMadameMarneffehadjustsaidconcerningLisbethFischertheyhadcometoknow，inconsequence，partly，ofthelonelinessoftheneighborhood，andofthealliance，towhichtheirnecessitieshadled，betweenthemandthedoorkeepers，whosegoodwillwastooimportanttothemnottohavebeencarefullyencouraged。
　　Now，theoldmaid’spride，silence，andreservehadengenderedintheporterandhiswifetheexaggeratedrespectandcoldcivilitywhichbetraytheunconfessedannoyanceofaninferior。Also，theporterthoughthimselfinallessentialstheequalofanylodgerwhoserentwasnomorethantwohundredandfiftyfrancs。CousinBetty’sconfidencestoHortenseweretrue；anditisevidentthattheporter’swifemightbeverylikelytoslanderMademoiselleFischerinherintimategossipwiththeMarneffes，whileonlyintendingtotelltales。
　　WhenLisbethhadtakenhercandlefromthehandsofworthyMadameOliviertheportress，shelookeduptoseewhetherthewindowsofthegarretoverherownroomswerelightedup。Atthathour，eveninJuly，itwassodarkwithinthecourtyardthattheoldmaidcouldnotgettobedwithoutalight。”Oh，youmaybequiteeasy，MonsieurSteinbockisinhisroom。Hehasnotbeenouteven，”saidMadameOlivier，withmeaning。
　　Lisbethmadenoreply。Shewasstillapeasant，insofarthatshewasindifferenttothegossipofpersonsunconnectedwithher。Justasapeasantseesnothingbeyondhisvillage，shecaredfornobody’sopinionoutsidethelittlecircleinwhichshelived。Sosheboldlywentup，nottoherownroom，buttothegarret；andthisiswhy。Atdessertshehadfilledherbagwithfruitandsweetsforherlover，andshewenttogivethemtohim，exactlyasanoldladybringshomeabiscuitforherdog。
　　ShefoundtheheroofHortense’sdreamsworkingbythelightofasmalllamp，ofwhichthelightwasintensifiedbytheuseofabottleofwaterasalens——apaleyoungman，seatedataworkman’sbenchcoveredwithamodeler’stools，wax，chisels，rough-hewnstone，andbronzecastings；heworeablouse，andhadinhishandalittlegroupinredwax，whichhegazedatlikeapoetabsorbedinhislabors。”Here，Wenceslas，seewhatIhavebroughtyou，”saidshe，layingherhandkerchiefonacornerofthetable；thenshecarefullytookthesweetmeatsandfruitoutofherbag。”Youareverykind，mademoiselle，”repliedtheexileinmelancholytones。”Itwilldoyougood，poorboy。Yougetfeverishbyworkingsohard；
　　youwerenotborntosucharoughlife。”
　　WenceslasSteinbocklookedatherwithabewilderedair。”Eat——come，eat，”saidshesharply，”insteadoflookingatmeasyoudoatoneofyourimageswhenyouaresatisfiedwithit。”
　　Onbeingthussmackedwithwords，theyoungmanseemedlesspuzzled，forthis，indeed，wasthefemaleMentorwhosetendermoodswerealwaysasurprisetohim，somuchmoreaccustomedwashetobescolded。
　　ThoughSteinbockwasnine-and-twenty，likemanyfairmen，helookedfiveorsixyearsyounger；andseeinghisyouth，thoughitsfreshnesshadfadedunderthefatigueandstressoflifeinexile，bythesideofthatdry，hardface，itseemedasthoughNaturehadblunderedinthedistributionofsex。HeroseandthrewhimselfintoadeepchairofLouisXV。pattern，coveredwithyellowUtrechtvelvet，asiftoresthimself。Theoldmaidtookagreengageandofferedittohim。”Thankyou，”saidhe，takingtheplum。”Areyoutired？”saidshe，givinghimanother。”Iamnottiredwithwork，buttiredoflife，”saidhe。”Whatabsurdnotionsyouhave！”sheexclaimedwithsomeannoyance。”Haveyounothadagoodgeniustokeepaneyeonyou？”shesaid，offeringhimthesweetmeats，andwatchinghimwithpleasureasheatethemall。”Yousee，Ithoughtofyouwhendiningwithmycousin。””Iknow，”saidhe，withalookatLisbeththatwasatonceaffectionateandplaintive，”butforyouIshouldlongsincehaveceasedtolive。But，mydearlady，artistsrequirerelaxation——””Ah！therewecometothepoint！”criedshe，interruptinghim，herhandsonherhips，andherflashingeyesfixedonhim。”YouwanttogowastingyourhealthinthevileresortsofParis，likesomanyartisans，whoendbydyingintheworkhouse。No，no，makeafortune，andthen，whenyouhavemoneyinthefunds，youmayamuseyourself，child；thenyouwillhaveenoughtopayforthedoctorandforyourpleasure，libertinethatyouare。”
　　WenceslasSteinbock，onreceivingthisbroadside，withanaccompanimentoflooksthatpiercedhimlikeamagneticflame，benthishead。ThemostmalignantslandereronseeingthisscenewouldatoncehaveunderstoodthatthehintsthrownoutbytheOlivierswerefalse。Everythinginthiscouple，theirtone，manner，andwayoflookingateachother，provedthepurityoftheirprivatelive。Theoldmaidshowedtheaffectionofroughbutverygenuinematernalfeeling；theyoungmansubmitted，asarespectfulsonyieldstothetyrannyofamother。Thestrangeallianceseemedtobetheoutcomeofastrongwillactingconstantlyonaweakcharacter，onthefluidnaturepeculiartotheSlavs，which，whileitdoesnothinderthemfromshowingheroiccourageinbattle，givesthemanamazingincoherencyofconduct，amoralsoftnessofwhichphysiologistsoughttotrytodetectthecauses，sincephysiologistsaretopoliticallifewhatentomologistsaretoagriculture。”ButifIdiebeforeIamrich？”saidWenceslasdolefully。”Die！”criedshe。”Oh，Iwillnotletyoudie。Ihavelifeenoughforboth，andIwouldhavemybloodinjectedintoyourveinsifnecessary。”
　　TearsrosetoSteinbock’seyesasheheardhervehementandartlessspeech。”Donotbeunhappy，mylittleWenceslas，”saidLisbethwithfeeling。”MycousinHortensethoughtyoursealquitepretty，Iamsure；andI
　　willmanagetosellyourbronzegroup，youwillsee；youwillhavepaidmeoff，youwillbeabletodoasyouplease，youwillsoonbefree。Come，smilealittle！””Icanneverrepayyou，mademoiselle，”saidtheexile。”Andwhynot？”askedthepeasantwoman，takingtheLivonian’spartagainstherself。”Becauseyounotonlyfedme，lodgedme，caredformeinmypoverty，butyoualsogavemestrength。YouhavemademewhatIam；youhaveoftenbeenstern，youhavemademeveryunhappy——””I？”saidtheoldmaid。”Areyougoingtopouroutallyournonsenseoncemoreaboutpoetryandthearts，andtocrackyourfingersandstretchyourarmswhileyouspoutabouttheideal，andbeauty，andallyournorthernmadness？——Beautyisnottocomparewithsolidpudding——
　　andwhatamI！——Youhaveideasinyourbrain？Whatistheuseofthem？
　　Itoohaveideas。Whatisthegoodofallthefinethingsyoumayhaveinyoursoulifyoucanmakenouseofthem？Thosewhohaveideasdonotgetsofarasthosewhohavenone，iftheydon’tknowwhichwaytogo。”Insteadofthinkingoveryourideasyoumustwork——Now，whathaveyoudonewhileIwasout？””Whatdidyourprettycousinsay？””Whotoldyoushewaspretty？”askedLisbethsharply，inatonehollowwithtiger-likejealousy。”Why，youdid。””Thatwasonlytoseeyourface。Doyouwanttogotrottingafterpetticoats？Youwhoaresofondofwomen，well，maketheminbronze。
　　Letusseeacastofyourdesires，foryouwillhavetodowithouttheladiesforsomelittletimeyet，andcertainlywithoutmycousin，mygoodfellow。Sheisnotgameforyourbag；thatyoungladywantsamanwithsixtythousandfrancsayear——andhasfoundhim！”Why，yourbedisnotmade！”sheexclaimed，lookingintotheadjoiningroom。”Poordearboy，Iquiteforgotyou！”
　　Thesturdywomanpulledoffhergloves，hercapeandbonnet，andremadetheartist’slittlecampbedasbrisklyasanyhousemaid。Thismixtureofabruptness，ofroughnesseven，withrealkindness，perhapsaccountsfortheascendencyLisbethhadacquiredoverthemanwhomsheregardedasherpersonalproperty。Isnotourattachmenttolifebasedonitsalternationsofgoodandevil？