Whatyouhavetoshowisthepowerofwoman。Samsonisasecondaryconsideration。Heisthecorpseofdeadstrength。ItisDelilah——
　　passion——thatruinseverything。Howfarmorebeautifulisthat/replica/——Thatiswhatyoucallit，Ithink——”Sheskilfullyinterpolated，asClaudeVignonandStidmanncameuptothemonhearinghertalkofsculpture——”howfarmorebeautifulthantheGreekmythisthat/replica/ofHerculesatOmphale’sfeet——DidGreececopyJudaea，ordidJudaeaborrowthesymbolismfromGreece？””There，madame，youraiseanimportantquestion——thatofthedateofthevariouswritingsintheBible。ThegreatandimmortalSpinoza——
　　mostfoolishlyrankedasanatheist，whereashegavemathematicalproofoftheexistenceofGod——assertsthattheBookofGenesisandallthepoliticalhistoryoftheBibleareofthetimeofMoses，andhedemonstratestheinterpolatedpassagesbyphilologicalevidence。
　　Andhewasthricestabbedashewentintothesynagogue。””IhadnoideaIwassolearned，”saidValerie，annoyedatthisinterruptiontoher/tete-a-tete/。”Womenknoweverythingbyinstinct，”repliedClaudeVignon。”Well，then，youpromiseme？”shesaidtoSteinbock，takinghishandwiththetimidityofagirlinlove。”Youareindeedahappyman，mydearfellow，”criedStidmann，”ifmadameasksafavorofyou！””Whatisit？”askedClaudeVignon。”Asmallbronzegroup，”repliedSteinbock，”DelilahcuttingoffSamson’shair。””Itisdifficult，”remarkedVignon。”Abed——””Onthecontrary，itisexceedinglyeasy，”repliedValerie，smiling。”Ahha！teachussculpture！”saidStidmann。”Youshouldtakemadameforyoursubject，”repliedVignon，withakeenglanceatValerie。”Well，”shewenton，”thisismynotionofthecomposition。Samsononwakingfindshehasnohair，likemanyadandywithafalsetop-knot。
　　Theheroissittingonthebed，soyouneedonlyshowthefootofit，coveredwithhangingsanddrapery。Thereheis，likeMariusamongtheruinsofCarthage，hisarmsfolded，hisheadshaven——NapoleonatSaint-Helena——whatyouwill！Delilahisonherknees，agooddeallikeCanova’sMagdalen。Whenahussyhasruinedherman，sheadoreshim。AsIseeit，theJewesswasafraidofSamsoninhisstrengthandterrors，butshemusthavelovedhimwhenshesawhimachildagain。SoDelilahisbewailinghersin，shewouldliketogiveherloverhishairagain。
　　Shehardlydarestolookathim；butshedoeslook，withasmile，forshereadsforgivenessinSamson’sweakness。Suchagroupasthis，andoneoftheferociousJudith，wouldepitomizewoman。Virtuecutsoffyourhead；viceonlycutsoffyourhair。Takecareofyourwigs，gentlemen！”
　　Andshelefttheartistsquiteoverpowered，tosingherpraisesinconcertwiththecritic。”Itisimpossibletobemorebewitching！”criedStidmann。”Oh！sheisthemostintelligentanddesirablewomanIhaveevermet，”
　　saidClaudeVignon。”Suchacombinationofbeautyandclevernessissorare。””AndifyouwhohadthehonorofbeingintimatewithCamilleMaupincanpronouncesuchaverdict，”repliedStidmann，”whatarewetothink？””IfyouwillmakeyourDelilahaportraitofValerie，mydearCount，”
　　saidCrevel，whohadrisenforamomentfromthecard-table，andwhohadheardwhathadbeensaid，”Iwillgiveyouathousandcrownsforanexample——yes，bythePowers！Iwillshellouttothetuneofathousandcrowns！””Shellout！Whatdoesthatmean？”askedBeauvisageofClaudeVignon。”Madamemustdomethehonortositforitthen，”saidSteinbocktoCrevel。”Askher——”
　　AtthismomentValerieherselfbroughtSteinbockacupoftea。Thiswasmorethanacompliment，itwasafavor。Thereisacompletelanguageinthemannerinwhichawomandoesthislittlecivility；butwomenarefullyawareofthefact，anditisacuriousthingtostudytheirmovements，theirmanner，theirlook，tone，andaccentwhentheyperformthisapparentlysimpleactofpoliteness——Fromthequestion，”Doyoutaketea？”——”Willyouhavesometea？”——”Acupoftea？”coldlyasked，andfollowedbyinstructionstothenymphoftheurntobringit，totheeloquentpoemoftheodalisquecomingfromthetea-table，cupinhand，towardsthepashaofherheart，presentingitsubmissively，offeringitinaninsinuatingvoice，withalookfullofintoxicatingpromises，aphysiologistcoulddeducethewholescaleoffeminineemotion，fromaversionorindifferencetoPhaedra’sdeclarationtoHippolytus。Womencanmakeit，atwill，contemptuoustothevergeofinsult，orhumbletotheexpressionofOrientalservility。
　　AndValeriewasmorethanwoman；shewastheserpentmadewoman；shecrownedherdiabolicalworkbygoinguptoSteinbock，acupofteainherhand。”Iwilldrinkasmanycupsofteaasyouwillgiveme，”saidtheartist，murmuringinherearasherose，andtouchingherfingerswithhis，”tohavethemgiventomethus！””Whatwereyousayingaboutsitting？”saidshe，withoutbetrayingthatthisdeclaration，sofranticallydesired，hadgonestraighttoherheart。”OldCrevelpromisesmeathousandcrownsforacopyofyourgroup。””He！athousandcrownsforabronzegroup？””Yes——ifyouwillsitforDelilah，”saidSteinbock。”Hewillnotbetheretosee，Ihope！”repliedshe。”Thegroupwouldbeworthmorethanallhisfortune，forDelilah’scostumeisratherun-dressy。”
　　JustasCrevellovedtostrikeanattitude，everywomanhasavictoriousgesture，astudiedmovement，whichsheknowsmustwinadmiration。Youmayseeinadrawing-roomhowonespendsallhertimelookingdownathertuckerorpullinguptheshoulder-pieceofhergown，howanothermakesplaywiththebrightnessofhereyesbyglancingupatthecornice。MadameMarneffe’striumph，however，wasnotfacetofacelikethatofotherwomen。SheturnedsharplyroundtoreturntoLisbethatthetea-table。Thisballet-dancer’spirouette，whiskingherskirts，bywhichshehadoverthrownHulot，nowfascinatedSteinbock。”Yourvengeanceissecure，”saidValerietoLisbethinawhisper。”Hortensewillcryoutallhertears，andcursethedaywhensherobbedyouofWenceslas。””TillIamMadamelaMarechaleIshallnotthinkmyselfsuccessful，”
　　repliedthecousin；”buttheyareallbeginningtowishforit——ThismorningIwenttoVictorin’s——Iforgottotellyou——TheyoungHulotshaveboughtuptheirfather’snotesofhandgiventoVauvinet，andto-morrowtheywillendorseabillforseventy-twothousandfrancsatfivepercent，payableinthreeyears，andsecuredbyamortgageontheirhouse。Sotheyoungpeopleareinstraitsforthreeyears；theycanraisenomoremoneyonthatproperty。Victorinisdreadfullydistressed；heunderstandshisfather。AndCreveliscapableofrefusingtoseethem；hewillbesoangryatthispieceofself-
　　sacrifice。””TheBaroncannothaveasounow，”saidValerie，andshesmiledatHulot。”Idon’tseewherehecangetit。ButhewilldrawhissalaryagaininSeptember。””Andhehashispolicyofinsurance；hehasrenewedit。Come，itishightimeheshouldgetMarneffepromoted。Iwilldriveithomethisevening。””Mydearcousin，”saidLisbethtoWenceslas，”gohome，Ibeg。Youarequiteridiculous。YoureyesarefixedonValerieinawaythatisenoughtocompromiseher，andherhusbandisinsanelyjealous。Donottreadinyourfather-in-law’sfootsteps。Gohome；IamsureHortenseissittingupforyou。””MadameMarneffetoldmetostaytillthelasttosettlemylittlebusinesswithyouandher，”repliedWenceslas。”No，no，”saidLisbeth；”Iwillbringyouthetenthousandfrancs，forherhusbandhashiseyeonyou。Itwouldberashtoremain。To-morrowateleveno’clockbringyournoteofhand；atthathourthatmandarinMarneffeisathisoffice，Valerieisfree——Haveyoureallyaskedhertositforyourgroup？——Comeuptomyroomsfirst——Ah！Iwassureofit，”sheadded，asshecaughtthelookwhichSteinbockflashedatValerie，”Iknewyouwereaprofligateinthebud！Well，Valerieislovely——buttrynottobringtroubleonHortense。”
　　Nothingannoysamarriedmansomuchasfindinghiswifeperpetuallyinterposingbetweenhimselfandhiswishes，howevertransient。
　　Wenceslasgothomeataboutoneinthemorning；Hortensehadexpectedhimeversincehalf-pastnine。Fromhalf-pastninetilltenshehadlistenedtothepassingcarriages，tellingherselfthatneverbeforehadherhusbandcomeinsolatefromdiningwithFlorentandChanor。
　　Shesatsewingbythechild’scot，forshehadbeguntosaveaneedlewoman’spayforthedaybydoingthemendingherself——Fromtentillhalf-past，asuspicioncrossedhermind；shesatwondering：”Ishereallygonetodinner，ashetoldme，withChanorandFlorent？
　　Heputonhisbestcravatandhishandsomestpinwhenhedressed。Hetookaslongoverhistoiletasawomanwhenshewantstomakethebestofherself——Iamcrazy！Helovesme！——Andhereheis！”
　　Butinsteadofstopping，thecabsheheardwentpast。
　　FromeleventillmidnightHortensewasavictimtoterriblealarms；
　　thequarterwheretheylivedwasnowdeserted。”Ifhehassetoutonfoot，someaccidentmayhavehappened，”thoughtshe。”Amanmaybekilledbytumblingoveracurbstoneorfailingtoseeagap。Artistsaresoheedless！Orifheshouldhavebeenstoppedbyrobbers！——Itisthefirsttimehehaseverleftmealonehereforsixhoursandahalf！——ButwhyshouldIworrymyself？Hecaresfornoonebutme。”
　　Menoughttobefaithfultothewiveswholovethem，wereitonlyonaccountoftheperpetualmiracleswroughtbytrueloveinthesublimeregionsofthespiritualworld。Thewomanwholovesis，inrelationtothemansheloves，inthepositionofasomnambulisttowhomthemagnetizershouldgivethepainfulpower，whensheceasestobethemirroroftheworld，ofbeingconsciousasawomanofwhatshehasseenasasomnambulist。Passionraisesthenervoustensionofawomantotheecstaticpitchatwhichpresentimentisasacuteastheinsightofaclairvoyant。Awifeknowssheisbetrayed；shewillnotletherselfsayso，shedoubtsstill——shelovessomuch！ShegivesthelietotheoutcryofherownPythianpower。Thisparoxysmoflovedeservesaspecialformofworship。
　　Innoblesouls，admirationofthisdivinephenomenonwillalwaysbeasafeguardtoprotectthemfrominfidelity。Howshouldamannotworshipabeautifulandintellectualcreaturewhosesoulcansoartosuchmanifestations？
　　ByoneinthemorningHortensewasinastateofsuchintenseanguish，thatsheflewtothedoorassherecognizedherhusband’sringatthebell，andclaspedhiminherarmslikeamother。”Atlast——hereyouare！”criedshe，findinghervoiceagain。”Mydearest，henceforthwhereyougoIgo，forIcannotagainendurethetortureofsuchwaiting——Ipicturedyoustumblingoveracurbstone，withafracturedskull！Killedbythieves！——No，asecondtimeIknowI
　　shouldgomad——Haveyouenjoyedyourselfsomuch？——Andwithoutme！——
　　Badboy！””WhatcanIsay，mydarling？TherewasBixiou，whodrewfreshcaricaturesforus；LeondeLora，aswittyasever；ClaudeVignon，towhomIowetheonlyconsolatoryarticlethathascomeoutabouttheMontcornetstatue。Therewere——””Weretherenoladies？”Hortenseeagerlyinquired。”WorthyMadameFlorent——””YousaidtheRocherdeCancale——WereyouattheFlorents’？””Yes，attheirhouse；Imadeamistake。””Youdidnottakeacoachtocomehome？””No。””AndyouhavewalkedfromtheRuedesTournelles？””StidmannandBixioucamebackwithmealongtheboulevardsasfarastheMadeleine，talkingalltheway。””ItisdrythenontheboulevardsandthePlacedelaConcordeandtheRuedeBourgogne？Youarenotmuddyatall！”saidHortense，lookingatherhusband’spatentleatherboots。
　　Ithadbeenraining，butbetweentheRueVanneauandtheRueSaint-
　　DominiqueWenceslashadnotgothisbootssoiled。”Here——herearefivethousandfrancsChanorhasbeensogenerousastolendme，”saidWenceslas，tocutshortthislawyer-likeexamination。
　　Hehadmadeadivisionofthetenthousand-francnotes，halfforHortenseandhalfforhimself，forhehadfivethousandfrancs’worthofdebtsofwhichHortenseknewnothing。Heowedmoneytohisforemanandhisworkmen。”Nowyouranxietiesarerelieved，”saidhe，kissinghiswife。”Iamgoingtoworkto-morrowmorning。SoIamgoingtobedthisminutetogetupearly，byyourleave，mypet。”
　　ThesuspicionthathaddawnedinHortense’smindvanished；shewasmilesawayfromthetruth。MadameMarneffe！Shehadneverthoughtofher。HerfearforherWenceslaswasthatheshouldfallinwithstreetprostitutes。ThenamesofBixiouandLeondeLora，twoartistsnotedfortheirwilddissipations，hadalarmedher。
　　NextmorningshesawWenceslasgooutatnineo’clock，andwasquitereassured。”Nowheisatworkagain，”saidshetoherself，assheproceededtodressherboy。”Iseeheisquiteinthevein！Well，well，ifwecannothavethegloryofMichaelAngelo，wemayhavethatofBenvenutoCellini！”
　　Lulledbyherownhopes，Hortensebelievedinahappyfuture；andshewaschatteringtohersonoftwentymonthsinthelanguageofonomatopoeiathatamusesbabeswhen，atabouteleveno’clock，thecook，whohadnotseenWenceslasgoout，showedinStidmann。”Ibegpardon，madame，”saidhe。”IsWenceslasgoneoutalready？””Heisatthestudio。””Icametotalkovertheworkwithhim。””Iwillsendforhim，”saidHortense，offeringStidmannachair。
　　ThankingHeavenforthispieceofluck，HortensewasgladtodetainStidmanntoasksomequestionsabouttheeveningbefore。Stidmannbowedinacknowledgmentofherkindness。TheCountessSteinbockrang；
　　thecookappeared，andwasdesiredtogoatonceandfetchhermasterfromthestudio。”Youhadanamusingdinnerlastnight？”saidHortense。”Wenceslasdidnotcomeintillpastoneinthemorning。””Amusing？notexactly，”repliedtheartist，whohadintendedtofascinateMadameMarneffe。”Societyisnotveryamusingunlessoneisinterestedinit。ThatlittleMadameMarneffeisclever，butagreatflirt。””AndwhatdidWenceslasthinkofher？”askedpoorHortense，tryingtokeepcalm。”Hesaidnothingabouthertome。””Iwillonlysayonething，”saidStidmann，”andthatis，thatIthinkheraverydangerouswoman。”
　　Hortenseturnedaspaleasawomanafterchildbirth。”So——itwasat——atMadameMarneffe’sthatyoudined——andnot——notwithChanor？”saidshe，”yesterday——andWenceslas——andhe——”
　　Stidmann，withoutknowingwhatmischiefhehaddone，sawthathehadblundered。
　　TheCountessdidnotfinishhersentence；shesimplyfaintedaway。Theartistrang，andthemaidcamein。WhenLouisetriedtogethermistressintoherbedroom，aseriousnervousattackcameon，withviolenthysterics。Stidmann，likeanymanwhobyaninvoluntaryindiscretionhasoverthrownthestructurebuiltonahusband’slietohiswife，couldnotconceivethathiswordsshouldproducesuchaneffect；hesupposedthattheCountesswasinsuchdelicatehealththattheslightestcontradictionwasmischievous。
　　Thecookpresentlyreturnedtosay，unfortunatelyinloudtones，thathermasterwasnotinthestudio。Inthemidstofheranguish，Hortenseheard，andthehystericalfitcameonagain。”Goandfetchmadame’smother，”saidLouisetothecook。”Quick——run！””IfIknewwheretofindSteinbock，Iwouldgoandfetchhim！”
　　exclaimedStidmannindespair。”Heiswiththatwoman！”criedtheunhappywife。”Hewasnotdressedtogotohiswork！”
　　StidmannhurriedofftoMadameMarneffe’s，struckbythetruthofthisconclusion，duetothesecond-sightofpassion。
　　AtthatmomentValeriewasposedasDelilah。Stidmann，toosharptoaskforMadameMarneffe，walkedstraightinpastthelodge，andranquicklyuptothesecondfloor，arguingthus：”IfIaskforMadameMarneffe，shewillbeout。IfIinquirepoint-blankforSteinbock，I
　　shallbelaughedattomyface——Takethebullbythehorns！”
　　Reineappearedinanswertohisring。”TellMonsieurleComteSteinbocktocomeatonce，hiswifeisdying——”
　　Reine，quiteamatchforStidmann，lookedathimwithblanksurprise。”But，sir——Idon’tknow——didyousuppose——””ItellyouthatmyfriendMonsieurSteinbockishere；hiswifeisveryill。Itisquiteseriousenoughforyoutodisturbyourmistress。”AndStidmannturnedonhisheel。”Heisthere，sureenough！”saidhetohimself。
　　Andinpointoffact，afterwaitingafewminutesintheRueVanneau，hesawWenceslascomeout，andbeckonedtohimtocomequickly。AftertellinghimofthetragedyenactedintheRueSaint-Dominique，StidmannscoldedSteinbockfornothavingwarnedhimtokeepthesecretofyesterday’sdinner。”Iamdonefor，”saidWenceslas，”butyouareforgiven。Ihadtotallyforgottenthatyouweretocallthismorning，andIblunderedinnottellingyouthatweweretohavedinedwithFlorent——WhatcanIsay？
　　ThatValeriehasturnedmyhead；but，mydearfellow，forhergloryiswelllost，misfortunewellwon！Shereallyis！——GoodHeavens！——ButI
　　aminadreadfulfix。Adviseme。WhatcanIsay？HowcanIexcusemyself？””I！adviseyou！Idon’tknow，”repliedStidmann。”Butyourwifelovesyou，Iimagine？Well，then，shewillbelieveanything。TellherthatyouwereonyourwaytomewhenIwasonmywaytoyou；that，atanyrate，willsetthismorning’sbusinessright。Good-bye。”
　　Lisbeth，calleddownbyReine，ranafterWenceslasandcaughthimupatthecorneroftheRueHillerin-Bertin；shewasafraidofhisPolishartlessness。Notwishingtobeinvolvedinthematter，shesaidafewwordstoWenceslas，whoinhisjoyhuggedherthenandthere。Shehadnodoubtpushedoutaplanktoenabletheartisttocrossthisawkwardplaceinhisconjugalaffairs。
　　Atthesightofhermother，whohadflowntoheraid，Hortenseburstintofloodsoftears。Thishappilychangedthecharacterofthehystericalattack。”Treachery，dearmamma！”criedshe。”Wenceslas，aftergivingmehiswordofhonorthathewouldnotgonearMadameMarneffe，dinedwithherlastnight，anddidnotcomeintillaquarter-pastoneinthemorning——Ifyouonlyknew！Thedaybeforewehadhadadiscussion，notaquarrel，andIhadappealedtohimsotouchingly。ItoldhimI
　　wasjealous，thatIshoulddieifhewereunfaithful；thatIwaseasilysuspicious，butthatheoughttohavesomeconsiderationformyweaknesses，astheycameofmyloveforhim；thatIhadmyfather’sbloodinmyveinsaswellasyours；thatatthefirstmomentofsuchdiscoveryIshouldbemad，andcapableofmaddeeds——ofavengingmyself——ofdishonoringusall，him，hischild，andmyself；thatI
　　mightevenkillhimfirstandmyselfafter——andsoon。”Andyethewentthere；heisthere！——Thatwomanisbentonbreakingallourhearts！OnlyyesterdaymybrotherandCelestinepledgedtheiralltopayoffseventythousandfrancsonnotesofhandsignedforthatgood-for-nothingcreature——Yes，mamma，myfatherwouldhavebeenarrestedandputintoprison。Cannotthatdreadfulwomanbecontentwithhavingmyfather，andwithallyourtears？WhytakemyWenceslas？——
　　Iwillgotoseeherandstabher！”
　　MadameHulot，strucktotheheartbythedreadfulsecretsHortensewasunwittinglylettingout，controlledhergriefbyoneoftheheroiceffortswhichamagnanimousmothercanmake，anddrewherdaughter’sheadontoherbosomtocoveritwithkisses。”WaitforWenceslas，mychild；allwillbeexplained。Theevilcannotbesogreatasyoupictureit！——I，too，havebeendeceived，mydearHortense；youthinkmehandsome，Ihavelivedblameless；andyetI
　　havebeenutterlyforsakenforthree-and-twentyyears——foraJennyCadine，aJosepha，aMadameMarneffe！——Didyouknowthat？””You，mamma，you！Youhaveenduredthisfortwenty——”
　　Shebrokeoff，staggeredbyherownthoughts。”DoasIhavedone，mychild，”saidhermother。”Begentleandkind，andyourconsciencewillbeatpeace。Onhisdeath-bedamanmaysay，’Mywifehasnevercostmeapang！’AndGod，whohearsthatdyingbreath，creditsittous。IfIhadabandonedmyselftofurylikeyou，whatwouldhavehappened？Yourfatherwouldhavebeenembittered，perhapshewouldhaveleftmealtogether，andhewouldnothavebeenwithheldbyanyfearofpainingme。Ourruin，utterasitnowis，wouldhavebeencompletetenyearssooner，andweshouldhaveshowntheworldthespectacleofahusbandandwifelivingquiteapart——ascandalofthemosthorrible，heart-breakingkind，foritisthedestructionofthefamily。Neitheryourbrothernoryoucouldhavemarried。”Isacrificedmyself，andthatsobravely，that，tillthislastconnectionofyourfather’s，theworldhasbelievedmehappy。Myserviceableandindeedcourageousfalsehoodhas，tillnow，screenedHector；heisstillrespected；butthisoldman’spassionistakinghimtoofar，thatIsee。Hisownfolly，Ifear，willbreakthroughtheveilIhavekeptbetweentheworldandourhome。However，Ihaveheldthatcurtainsteadyfortwenty-threeyears，andhaveweptbehindit——
　　motherless，I，withoutafriendtotrust，withnohelpbutinreligion——Ihavefortwenty-threeyearssecuredthefamilyhonor——”
　　Hortenselistenedwithafixedgaze。Thecalmtoneofresignationandofsuchcrowningsorrowsoothedthesmartofherfirstwound；thetearsroseagainandflowedintorrents。Inafrenzyoffilialaffection，overcomebyhermother’snobleheroism，shefellonherkneesbeforeAdeline，tookupthehemofherdressandkissedit，aspiousCatholicskisstheholyrelicsofamartyr。”Nay，getup，Hortense，”saidtheBaroness。”Suchhomagefrommydaughterwipesoutmanysadmemories。Cometomyheart，andweepfornosorrowsbutyourown。Itisthedespairofmydearlittlegirl，whosejoywasmyonlyjoy，thatbrokethesolemnsealwhichnothingoughttohaveremovedfrommylips。Indeed，Imeanttohavetakenmywoestothetomb，asashroudthemore。ItwastosootheyouranguishthatIspoke——Godwillforgiveme！”Oh！ifmylifeweretobeyourlife，whatwouldInotdo？Men，theworld，Fate，Nature，GodHimself，Ibelieve，makeuspayforlovewiththemostcruelgrief。Imustpayfortenyearsofhappinessandtwenty-fouryearsofdespair，ofceaselesssorrow，ofbitterness——””Butyouhadtenyears，dearmamma，andIhavehadbutthree！”saidtheself-absorbedgirl。”Nothingislostyet，”saidAdeline。”OnlywaittillWenceslascomes。””Mother，”saidshe，”helied，hedeceivedme。Hesaid，’Iwillnotgo，’andhewent。Andthatoverhischild’scradle。””Forpleasure，mychild，menwillcommitthemostcowardly，themostinfamousactions——evencrimes；itliesintheirnature，itwouldseem。
　　Wewivesaresetapartforsacrifice。Ibelievedmytroubleswereended，andtheyarebeginningagain，forIneverthoughttosufferdoublybysufferingwithmychild。Courage——andsilence！——MyHortense，swearthatyouwillneverdiscussyourgriefswithanybodybutme，neverletthembesuspectedbyanythirdperson。Oh！beasproudasyourmotherhasbeen。”
　　Hortensestarted；shehadheardherhusband’sstep。”Soitwouldseem，”saidWenceslas，ashecamein，”thatStidmannhasbeenherewhileIwenttoseehim。””Indeed！”saidHortense，withtheangryironyofanoffendedwomanwhouseswordstostab。”Certainly，”saidWenceslas，affectingsurprise。”Wehavejustmet。””Andyesterday？””Well，yesterdayIdeceivedyou，mydarlinglove；andyourmothershalljudgebetweenus。”
　　Thiscandorunlockedhiswife’sheart。Allreallyloftywomenlikethetruthbetterthanlies。Theycannotbeartoseetheiridolsmirched；
　　theywanttobeproudofthedespotismtheybowto。
　　ThereisastrainofthisfeelinginthedevotionoftheRussianstotheirCzar。”Now，listen，dearmother，”Wenceslaswenton。”IsotrulylovemysweetandkindHortense，thatIconcealedfromhertheextentofourpoverty。WhatcouldIdo？Shewasstillnursingtheboy，andsuchtroubleswouldhavedoneherharm；youknowwhattheriskisforawoman。Herbeauty，youth，andhealthareimperiled。DidIdowrong？——
　　Shebelievesthatweowefivethousandfrancs；butIowefivethousandmore。Thedaybeforeyesterdaywewereinthedepths！Nooneonearthwilllendtousartists。Ourtalentsarenotlessuntrustworthythanourwhims。Iknockedinvainateverydoor。Lisbeth，indeed，offeredushersavings。””Poorsoul！”saidHortense。”Poorsoul！”saidtheBaroness。”ButwhatareLisbeth’stwothousandfrancs？Everythingtoher，nothingtous——Then，asyouknow，Hortense，shespoketousofMadameMarneffe，who，assheowessomuchtotheBaron，outofasenseofhonor，willtakenointerest。HortensewantedtosendherdiamondstotheMont-de-Piete；theywouldhavebroughtinafewthousandfrancs，butweneededtenthousand。Thosetenthousandfrancsweretobehadfreeofinterestforayear！——Isaidtomyself，’Hortensewillbenonethewiser；Iwillgoandgetthem。’”Thenthewomanaskedmetodinnerthroughmyfather-in-law，givingmetounderstandthatLisbethhadspokenofthematter，andIshouldhavethemoney。BetweenHortense’sdespairononehand，andthedinnerontheother，Icouldnothesitate——Thatisall。”What！couldHortense，atfour-and-twenty，lovely，pure，andvirtuous，andallmyprideandglory，imaginethat，whenIhaveneverlefthersincewemarried，Icouldnowprefer——what？——atawny，painted，ruddledcreature？”saidhe，usingthevulgarexaggerationofthestudiotoconvincehiswifebythevehemencethatwomenlike。”Oh！ifonlyyourfatherhadeverspokenso——！”criedtheBaroness。
　　Hortensethrewherarmsroundherhusband’sneck。”Yes，thatiswhatIshouldhavedone，”saidhermother。”Wenceslas，mydearfellow，yourwifewasneardyingofit，”shewentonveryseriously。”Youseehowwellshelovesyou。And，alas——sheisyours！”
　　Shesigheddeeply。”Hemaymakeamartyrofher，orahappywoman，”thoughtshetoherself，aseverymotherthinkswhensheseesherdaughtermarried——”Itseemstome，”shesaidaloud，”thatIammiserableenoughtohopetoseemychildrenhappy。””Bequiteeasy，dearmamma，”saidWenceslas，onlytoogladtoseethiscriticalmomentendhappily。”IntwomonthsIshallhaverepaidthatdreadfulwoman。HowcouldIhelpit，”hewenton，repeatingthisessentiallyPolishexcusewithaPole’sgrace；”therearetimeswhenamanwouldborrowoftheDevil——And，afterall，themoneybelongstothefamily。Whenonceshehadinvitedme，shouldIhavegotthemoneyatallifIhadrespondedtohercivilitywitharuderefusal？””Oh，mamma，whatmischiefpapaisbringingonus！”criedHortense。
　　TheBaronesslaidherfingeronherdaughter’slips，aggrievedbythiscomplaint，thefirstblameshehadeverutteredofafathersoheroicallyscreenedbyhermother’smagnanimoussilence。”Now，good-bye，mychildren，”saidMadameHulot。”Thestormisover。
　　Butdonotquarrelanymore。”
　　WhenWenceslasandhiswifereturnedtotheirroomafterlettingouttheBaroness，Hortensesaidtoherhusband：”Tellmeallaboutlastevening。”
　　Andshewatchedhisfaceallthroughthenarrative，interruptinghimbythequestionsthatcrowdonawife’smindinsuchcircumstances。
　　ThestorymadeHortensereflect；shehadaglimpseoftheinfernaldissipationwhichanartistmustfindinsuchviciouscompany。”Behonest，myWenceslas；Stidmannwasthere，ClaudeVignon，Vernisset——Whoelse？Inshort，itwasgoodfun？””I，Iwasthinkingofnothingbutourtenthousandfrancs，andIwassayingtomyself，’MyHortensewillbefreedfromanxiety。’”
　　ThiscatechismboredtheLivonianexcessively；heseizedagayermomenttosay：”Andyou，mydearest，whatwouldyouhavedoneifyourartisthadprovedguilty？””I，”saidshe，withanairofpromptdecision，”IshouldhavetakenupStidmann——notthatIlovehim，ofcourse！””Hortense！”criedSteinbock，startingtohisfeetwithasuddenandtheatricalemphasis。”Youwouldnothavehadthechance——Iwouldhavekilledyou！”
　　Hortensethrewherselfintohisarms，claspinghimcloselyenoughtostiflehim，andcoveredhimwithkisses，saying：”Ah，youdoloveme！Ifearnothing！——ButnomoreMarneffe。Nevergoplungingintosuchhorriblebogs。””Isweartoyou，mydearHortense，thatIwillgotherenomore，exceptingtoredeemmynoteofhand。”
　　Shepoutedatthis，butonlyasalovingwomansulkstogetsomethingforit。Wenceslas，tiredoutwithsuchamorning’swork，wentofftohisstudiotomakeaclaysketchofthe/SamsonandDelilah/，forwhichhehadthedrawingsinhispocket。
　　Hortense，penitentforherlittletemper，andfancyingthatherhusbandwasannoyedwithher，wenttothestudiojustasthesculptorhadfinishedhandlingtheclaywiththeimpetuositythatspursanartistwhenthemoodisonhim。Onseeinghiswife，Wenceslashastilythrewthewetwrapperoverthegroup，andputtingbotharmsroundher，hesaid：”Wewerenotreallyangry，werewe，myprettypuss？”
　　Hortensehadcaughtsightofthegroup，hadseenthelinenthrownoverit，andhadsaidnothing；butasshewasleaving，shetookofftherag，lookedatthemodel，andasked：”Whatisthat？””AgroupforwhichIhadjusthadanidea。””Andwhydidyouhideit？””Ididnotmeanyoutoseeittillitwasfinished。””Thewomanisverypretty，”saidHortense。
　　Andathousandsuspicionscroppedupinhermind，as，inIndia，tall，rankplantsspringupinanight-time。
　　Bytheendofthreeweeks，MadameMarneffewasintenselyirritatedbyHortense。Womenofthatstamphaveaprideoftheirown；theyinsistthatmenshallkissthedevil’shoof；theyhavenoforgivenessforthevirtuethatdoesnotquailbeforetheirdominion，orthatevenholdsitsownagainstthem。Now，inallthattimeWenceslashadnotpaidonevisitintheRueVanneau，noteventhatwhichpolitenessrequiredtoawomanwhohadsatforDelilah。
　　WheneverLisbethcalledontheSteinbocks，therehadbeennobodyathome。Monsieurandmadamelivedinthestudio。Lisbeth，followingtheturtledovestotheirnestatleGros-Caillou，foundWenceslashardatwork，andwasinformedbythecookthatmadameneverleftmonsieur’sside。Wenceslaswasaslavetotheautocracyoflove。SonowValerie，onherownaccount，tookpartwithLisbethinherhatredofHortense。
　　Womenclingtoaloverthatanotherwomanisfightingfor，justasmuchasmendotowomenroundwhommanycoxcombsarebuzzing。Thusanyreflections/apropos/toMadameMarneffeareequallyapplicabletoanylady-killingrake；heis，infact，asortofmalecourtesan。
　　Valerie’slastfancywasamadness；aboveall，shewasbentongettinghergroup；shewaseventhinkingofgoingonemorningtothestudiotoseeWenceslas，whenaseriousincidentaroseofthekindwhich，toawomanofthatclass，maybecalledthespoilofwar。
　　ThisishowValerieannouncedthiswhollypersonalevent。
　　ShewasbreakfastingwithLisbethandherhusband。”Isay，Marneffe，whatwouldyousaytobeingasecondtimeafather？””Youdon’tmeanit——ababy？——Oh，letmekissyou！”
　　Heroseandwentroundthetable；hiswifeheldupherheadsothathecouldjustkissherhair。”Ifthatisso，”hewenton，”Iamhead-clerkandofficeroftheLegionofHonoratonce。Butyoumustunderstand，mydear，Stanislasisnottobethesufferer，poorlittleman。””Poorlittleman？”Lisbethputin。”Youhavenotsetyoureyesonhimthesesevenmonths。Iamsupposedtobehismotherattheschool；Iamtheonlypersoninthehousewhotakesanytroubleabouthim。””Abratthatcostsusahundredcrownsaquarter！”saidValerie。”Andhe，atanyrate，isyourownchild，Marneffe。Yououghttopayforhisschoolingoutofyoursalary——Thenewcomer，farfromremindingusofbutcher’sbills，willrescueusfromwant。””Valerie，”repliedMarneffe，assuminganattitudelikeCrevel，”IhopethatMonsieurleBaronHulotwilltakeproperchargeofhisson，andnotlaytheburdenonapoorclerk。Iintendtokeephimwelluptothemark。Sotakethenecessarysteps，madame！Gethimtowriteyoulettersinwhichhealludestohissatisfaction，forheisratherbackwardincomingforwardinregardtomyappointment。”
　　AndMarneffewentawaytotheoffice，wherehischief’spreciousleniencyallowedhimtocomeinatabouteleveno’clock。And，indeed，hedidlittleenough，forhisincapacitywasnotorious，andhedetestedwork。
　　NosoonerweretheyalonethanLisbethandValerielookedateachotherforamomentlikeAugurs，andbothtogetherburstintoaloudfitoflaughter。”Isay，Valerie——isitthefact？”saidLisbeth，”ormerelyafarce？””Itisaphysicalfact！”repliedValerie。”Now，IamsickandtiredofHortense；anditoccurredtomeinthenightthatImightfirethisinfant，likeabomb，intotheSteinbockhousehold。”
　　Valeriewentbacktoherroom，followedbyLisbeth，towhomsheshowedthefollowingletter：——”WENCESLASMYDEAR，——Istillbelieveinyourlove，thoughitisnearlythreeweekssinceIsawyou。Isthisscorn？Delilahcanscarcelybelievethat。Doesitnotratherresultfromthetyrannyofawomanwhom，asyoutoldme，youcannolongerlove？
　　Wenceslas，youaretoogreatanartisttosubmittosuchdominion。
　　Homeisthegraveofglory——Considernow，areyoutheWenceslasoftheRueduDoyenne？Youmissedfirewithmyfather’sstatue；
　　butinyoutheloverisgreaterthantheartist，andyouhavehadbetterluckwithhisdaughter。Youareafather，mybelovedWenceslas。”IfyoudonotcometomeinthestateIamin，yourfriendswouldthinkverybadlyofyou。ButIloveyousomadly，thatIfeelI
　　shouldneverhavethestrengthtocurseyou。MayIsignmyselfasever，”YOURVALERIE。””WhatdoyousaytomyschemeforsendingthisnotetothestudioatatimewhenourdearHortenseistherebyherself？”askedValerie。”LasteveningIheardfromStidmannthatWenceslasistopickhimupateleventhismorningtogoonbusinesstoChanor’s；sothatgawkHortensewillbetherealone。””Butaftersuchatrickasthat，”repliedLisbeth，”Icannotcontinuetobeyourfriendintheeyesoftheworld；Ishallhavetobreakwithyou，tobesupposednevertovisityou，oreventospeaktoyou。””Evidently，”saidValerie；”but——””Oh！bequiteeasy，”interruptedLisbeth；”weshalloftenmeetwhenI
　　amMadamelaMarechale。Theyareallsetuponitnow。OnlytheBaronisinignoranceoftheplan，butyoucantalkhimover。””Well，”saidValerie，”butitisquitelikelythattheBaronandImaybeondistanttermsbeforelong。””MadameOlivieristheonlypersonwhocanmakeHortensedemandtoseetheletter，”saidLisbeth。”AndyoumustsendhertotheRueSaint-
　　Dominiquebeforeshegoesontothestudio。””Ourbeautywillbeathome，nodoubt，”saidValerie，ringingforReinetocallupMadameOlivier。
　　Tenminutesafterthedespatchofthisfatefulletter，BaronHulotarrived。MadameMarneffethrewherarmsroundtheoldman’sneckwithkittenishimpetuosity。”Hector，youareafather！”shesaidinhisear。”Thatiswhatcomesofquarrelingandmakingfriendsagain——”
　　Perceivingalookofsurprise，whichtheBarondidnotatonceconceal，Valerieassumedareservewhichbroughttheoldmantodespair。Shemadehimwringtheproofsfromheronebyone。Whenconviction，ledonbyvanity，hadatlastenteredhismind，sheenlargedonMonsieurMarneffe’swrath。”Mydearoldveteran，”saidshe，”youcanhardlyavoidgettingyourresponsibleeditor，ourrepresentativepartnerifyoulike，appointedhead-clerkandofficeroftheLegionofHonor，foryoureallyhavedoneforthepoorman，headoreshisStanislas，thelittlemonstrositywhoissolikehim，thattomeheisinsufferable。UnlessyouprefertosettletwelvehundredfrancsayearonStanislas——thecapitaltobehis，andthelife-interestpayabletome，ofcourse——””ButifIamtosettlesecurities，Iwouldratheritshouldbeonmyownson，andnotonthemonstrosity，”saidtheBaron。
　　Thisrashspeech，inwhichthewords”myownson”cameoutasfullasariverinflood，was，bytheendofthehour，ratifiedasaformalpromisetosettletwelvehundredfrancsayearonthefutureboy。Andthispromisebecame，onValerie’stongueandinhercountenance，whatadrumisinthehandsofachild；forthreeweekssheplayedonitincessantly。
　　AtthemomentwhenBaronHulotwasleavingtheRueVanneau，ashappyasamanwhoafterayearofmarriedlifestilldesiresanheir，MadameOlivierhadyieldedtoHortense，andgivenupthenoteshewasinstructedtogiveonlyintotheCount’sownhands。Theyoungwifepaidtwentyfrancsforthatletter。Thewretchwhocommitssuicidemustpayfortheopium，thepistol，thecharcoal。
　　Hortensereadandre-readthenote；shesawnothingbutthissheetofwhitepaperstreakedwithblacklines；theuniverseheldforhernothingbutthatpaper；everythingwasdarkaroundher。Theglareoftheconflagrationthatwasconsumingtheedificeofherhappinesslightedupthepage，forblackestnightenfoldedher。TheshoutsofherlittleWenceslasatplayfellonherear，asifhehadbeeninthedepthsofavalleyandsheonahighmountain。Thusinsultedatfour-
　　and-twenty，inallthesplendorofherbeauty，enhancedbypureanddevotedlove——itwasnotastab，itwasdeath。Thefirstshockhadbeenmerelyonthenerves，thephysicalframehadstruggledinthegripofjealousy；butnowcertaintyhadseizedhersoul，herbodywasunconscious。
　　ForabouttenminutesHortensesatundertheincubusofthisoppression。Thenavisionofhermotherappearedbeforeher，andrevulsionensued；shewascalmandcool，andmistressofherreason。
　　Sherang。”GetLouisetohelpyou，child，”saidshetothecook。”Asquicklyasyoucan，packupeverythingthatbelongstomeandeverythingwantedforthelittleboy。Igiveyouanhour。Whenallisready，fetchahackneycoachfromthestand，andcallme。”Makenoremarks！Iamleavingthehouse，andshalltakeLouisewithme。Youmuststayherewithmonsieur；takegoodcareofhim——”
　　Shewentintoherroom，andwrotethefollowingletter：——”MONSIEURLECOMTE，——”TheletterIenclosewillsufficientlyaccountforthedeterminationIhavecometo。”Whenyoureadthis，Ishallhaveleftyourhouseandhavefoundrefugewithmymother，takingourchildwithme。”DonotimaginethatIshallretracemysteps。DonotimaginethatIamactingwiththerashhasteofyouth，withoutreflection，withtheangerofoffendedaffection；youwillbegreatlymistaken。”Ihavebeenthinkingverydeeplyduringthelastfortnightoflife，oflove，ofourmarriage，ofourdutiestoeachother。I
　　haveknowntheperfectdevotionofmymother；shehastoldmeallhersorrows！Shehasbeenheroical——everydayfortwenty-threeyears。ButIhavenotthestrengthtoimitateher，notbecauseI
　　loveyoulessthanshelovesmyfather，butforreasonsofspiritandnature。Ourhomewouldbeahell；Imightlosemyheadsofarastodisgraceyou——disgracemyselfandourchild。”IrefusetobeaMadameMarneffe；oncelaunchedonsuchacourse，awomanofmytempermightnot，perhaps，beabletostop。Iam，unfortunatelyformyself，aHulot，notaFischer。”Alone，andabsentfromthesceneofyourdissipations，Iamsureofmyself，especiallywithmychildtooccupyme，andbythesideofastrongandnoblemother，whoselifecannotfailtoinfluencethevehementimpetuousnessofmyfeelings。There，Icanbeagoodmother，bringourboyupwell，andlive。Underyourroofthewifewouldoustthemother；andconstantcontentionwouldsourmytemper。”Icanacceptadeath-blow，butIwillnotendurefortwenty-fiveyears，likemymother。If，attheendofthreeyearsofperfect，unwaveringlove，youcanbeunfaithfultomewithyourfather-in-
　　law’smistress，whatrivalsmayIexpecttohaveinlateryears？
　　Indeed，monsieur，youhavebegunyourcareerofprofligacymuchearlierthanmyfatherdid，thelifeofdissipation，whichisadisgracetothefatherofafamily，whichunderminestherespectofhischildren，andwhichendsinshameanddespair。”Iamnotunforgiving。UnrelentingfeelingsdonotbeseemerringcreatureslivingundertheeyeofGod。Ifyouwinfameandfortunebysustainedwork，ifyouhavenothingtodowithcourtesansandignoble，defilingways，youwillfindmestillawifeworthyofyou。”Ibelieveyoutobetoomuchagentleman，MonsieurleComte，tohaverecoursetothelaw。Youwillrespectmywishes，andleavemeundermymother’sroof。Aboveall，neverletmeseeyouthere。I
　　haveleftallthemoneylenttoyoubythatodiouswoman——
　　Farewell。”HORTENSEHULOT。”
　　Thisletterwaswritteninanguish。Hortenseabandonedherselftothetears，theoutcriesofmurderedlove。Shelaiddownherpenandtookitupagain，toexpressassimplyaspossibleallthatpassioncommonlyproclaimsinthissortoftestamentaryletter。Herheartwentforthinexclamations，wailingandweeping；butreasondictatedthewords。
　　InformedbyLouisethatallwasready，theyoungwifeslowlywentroundthelittlegarden，throughthebedroomanddrawing-room，lookingateverythingforthelasttime。Thensheearnestlyenjoinedthecooktotakethegreatestcareforhermaster’scomfort，promisingtorewardherhandsomelyifshewouldbehonest。Atlastshegotintothehackneycoachtodrivetohermother’shouse，herheartquitebroken，cryingsomuchastodistressthemaid，andcoveringlittleWenceslaswithkisses，whichbetrayedherstillunfailingloveforhisfather。
　　TheBaronessknewalreadyfromLisbeththatthefather-in-lawwaslargelytoblamefortheson-in-law’sfault；norwasshesurprisedtoseeherdaughter，whoseconductsheapproved，andsheconsentedtogivehershelter。Adeline，perceivingthatherowngentlenessandpatiencehadnevercheckedHector，forwhomherrespectwasindeedfastdiminishing，thoughtherdaughterveryrighttoadoptanothercourse。
　　Inthreeweeksthepoormotherhadsufferedtwowoundsofwhichthepainwasgreaterthananyill-fortuneshehadhithertoendured。TheBaronhadplacedVictorinandhiswifeingreatdifficulties；andthen，byLisbeth’saccount，hewasthecauseofhisson-in-law’smisconduct，andhadcorruptedWenceslas。Thedignityofthefatherofthefamily，solongupheldbyherreallyfoolishself-sacrifice，wasnowoverthrown。ThoughtheydidnotregretthemoneytheyoungHulotswerefullalikeofdoubtsanduneasinessasregardedtheBaron。Thissentiment，whichwasevidenceenough，distressedtheBaroness；sheforesawabreak-upofthefamilytie。
　　Hortensewasaccommodatedinthedining-room，arrangedasabedroomwiththehelpoftheMarshal’smoney，andtheanteroombecamethedining-room，asitisinmanyapartments。
　　WhenWenceslasreturnedhomeandhadreadthetwoletters，hefeltakindofgladnessmingledwithregret。Keptsoconstantlyunderhiswife’seye，sotospeak，hehadinwardlyrebelledagainstthisfreshthraldom，/ala/Lisbeth。Fullfedwithloveforthreeyearspast，hetoohadbeenreflectingduringthelastfortnight；andhefoundafamilyheavyonhishands。HehadjustbeencongratulatedbyStidmannonthepassionhehadinspiredinValerie；forStidmann，withanunder-thoughtthatwasnotunnatural，sawthathemightflatterthehusband’svanityinthehopeofconsolingthevictim。AndWenceslaswasgladtobeabletoreturntoMadameMarneffe。
　　Still，herememberedthepureandunsulliedhappinesshehadknown，theperfectionsofhiswife，herjudgment，herinnocentandguilelessaffection，——andheregrettedheracutely。Hethoughtofgoingatoncetohismother-in-law’stocraveforgiveness；but，infact，likeHulotandCrevel，hewenttoMadameMarneffe，towhomhecarriedhiswife’slettertoshowherwhatadisastershehadcaused，andtodiscounthismisfortune，sotospeak，byclaiminginreturnthepleasureshismistresscouldgivehim。
　　HefoundCrevelwithValerie。Themayor，puffedupwithpride，marchedupanddowntheroom，agitatedbyastormoffeelings。Heputhimselfintopositionasifhewereabouttospeak，buthedarednot。Hiscountenancewasbeaming，andhewentnowandagaintothewindow，wherehedrummedonthepanewithhisfingers。HekeptlookingatValeriewithaglanceoftenderpathos。Happilyforhim，Lisbethpresentlycamein。”CousinBetty，”hesaidinherear，”haveyouheardthenews？Iamafather！ItseemstomeIlovemypoorCelestinetheless——Oh！whatathingitistohaveachildbythewomanoneidolizes！Itisthefatherhoodoftheheartaddedtothatoftheflesh！Isay——tellValeriethatIwillworkforthatchild——itshallberich。Shetellsmeshehassomereasonforbelievingthatitwillbeaboy！Ifitisaboy，IshallinsistonhisbeingcalledCrevel。Iwillconsultmynotaryaboutit。””Iknowhowmuchshelovesyou，”saidLisbeth。”Butforhersakeinthefuture，andforyourown，controlyourself。Donotrubyourhandseveryfiveminutes。”
　　WhileLisbethwasspeakingasideonthiswisetoCrevel，ValeriehadaskedWenceslastogiveherbackherletter，andshewassayingthingsthatdispelledallhisgriefs。”Sonowyouarefree，mydear，”saidshe。”Oughtanygreatartisttomarry？Youliveonlybyfancyandfreedom！There，Ishallloveyousomuch，belovedpoet，thatyoushallneverregretyourwife。Atthesametime，if，likesomanypeople，youwanttokeepupappearances，I
　　undertaketobringHortensebacktoyouinaveryshorttime。””Oh，ifonlythatwerepossible！””Iamcertainofit，”saidValerie，nettled。”Yourpoorfather-in-lawisamanwhoisineverywayutterlydonefor；whowantstoappearasthoughhecouldbeloved，outofconceit，andtomaketheworldbelievethathehasamistress；andheissoexcessivelyvainonthispoint，thatIcandowhatIpleasewithhim。TheBaronessisstillsodevotedtoheroldHector——IalwaysfeelasifIweretalkingofthe/Iliad/——thatthesetwooldfolkswillcontrivetopatchupmattersbetweenyouandHortense。Only，ifyouwanttoavoidstormsathomeforthefuture，donotleavemeforthreeweekswithoutcomingtoseeyourmistress——Iwasdyingofit。Mydearboy，someconsiderationisduefromagentlemantoawomanhehassodeeplycompromised，especiallywhen，asinmycase，shehastobeverycarefulofherreputation。”Staytodinner，mydarling——andrememberthatImusttreatyouwithallthemoreapparentcoldnessbecauseyouareguiltyofthistooobviousmishap。”
　　BaronMonteswaspresentlyannounced；Valerieroseandhurriedforwardtomeethim；shespokeafewsentencesinhisear，enjoiningonhimthesamereserveasshehadimpressedonWenceslas；theBrazilianassumedadiplomaticreticencesuitabletothegreatnewswhichfilledhimwithdelight，forhe，atanyratewassureofhispaternity。
　　Thankstothesetactics，basedonthevanityofthemanintheloverstageofhisexistence，Valeriesatdowntotablewithfourmen，allpleasedandeagertoplease，allcharmed，andeachbelievinghimselfadored；calledbyMarneffe，whoincludedhimself，inspeakingtoLisbeth，thefiveFathersoftheChurch。
　　BaronHulotaloneatfirstshowedananxiouscountenance，andthiswaswhy。Justashewasleavingtheoffice，theheadofthestaffofclerkshadcometohisprivateroom——aGeneralwithwhomhehadservedforthirtyyears——andHulothadspokentohimastoappointingMarneffetoCoquet’splace，Coquethavingconsentedtoretire。”Mydearfellow，”saidhe，”IwouldnotaskthisfavorofthePrincewithoutourhavingagreedonthematter，andknowingthatyouapproved。””Mygoodfriend，”repliedtheother，”youmustallowmetoobservethat，foryourownsake，youshouldnotinsistonthisnomination。I
　　havealreadytoldyoumyopinion。Therewouldbeascandalintheoffice，wherethereisagreatdealtoomuchtalkalreadyaboutyouandMadameMarneffe。This，ofcourse，isbetweenourselves。Ihavenowishtotouchyouonasensitivespot，ordisobligeyouinanyway，andIwillproveit。IfyouaredeterminedtogetMonsieurCoquet’splace，andhewillreallybealossintheWarOffice，forhehasbeenheresince1809，Iwillgointothecountryforafortnight，soastoleavethefieldopenbetweenyouandtheMarshal，wholovesyouasason。ThenIshalltakeneitherpart，andshallhavenothingonmyconscienceasanadministrator。””Thankyouverymuch，”saidHulot。”Iwillreflectonwhatyouhavesaid。””Inallowingmyselftosaysomuch，mydearfriend，itisbecauseyourpersonalinterestisfarmoredeeplyimplicatedthananyconcernorvanityofmine。Inthefirstplace，thematterliesentirelywiththeMarshal。Andthen，mygoodfellow，weareblamedforsomanythings，thatonemoreorless！Wearenotatthemaidenstageinourexperienceoffault-finding。UndertheRestoration，menwereputinsimplytogivethemplaces，withoutanyregardfortheoffice——Weareoldfriends——””Yes，”theBaronputin；”anditisinordernottoimpairouroldandvaluedfriendshipthatI——””Well，well，”saidthedepartmentalmanager，seeingHulot’sfacecloudedwithembarrassment，”Iwilltakemyselfoff，oldfellow——ButIwarnyou！youhaveenemies——thatistosay，menwhocovetyoursplendidappointment，andyouhavebutoneanchorout。Nowif，likeme，youwereaDeputy，youwouldhavenothingtofear；somindwhatyouareabout。”
　　Thisspeech，inthemostfriendlyspirit，madeadeepimpressionontheCouncillorofState。”But，afterall，Roger，whatisitthatiswrong？Donotmakeanymysterieswithme。”
　　TheindividualaddressedasRogerlookedatHulot，tookhishand，andpressedit。”Wearesucholdfriends，thatIamboundtogiveyouwarning。Ifyouwanttokeepyourplace，youmustmakeabedforyourself，andinsteadofaskingtheMarshaltogiveCoquet’splacetoMarneffe，inyourplaceIwouldbeghimtousehisinfluencetoreserveaseatformeontheGeneralCouncilofState；thereyoumaydieinpeace，and，likethebeaver，abandonallelsetothepursuers。””What，doyouthinktheMarshalwouldforget——””TheMarshalhasalreadytakenyourpartsowarmlyataGeneralMeetingoftheMinisters，thatyouwillnotnowbeturnedout；butitwasseriouslydiscussed！Sogivethemnoexcuse。Icansaynomore。Atthismomentyoumaymakeyourownterms；youmaysitontheCouncilofStateandbemadeaPeeroftheChamber。Ifyoudelaytoolong，ifyougiveanyoneaholdagainstyou，Icananswerfornothing——Now，amI
　　togo？””Waitalittle。IwillseetheMarshal，”repliedHulot，”andIwillsendmybrothertoseewhichwaythewindblowsatheadquarters。”
　　ThehumorinwhichtheBaroncamebacktoMadameMarneffe’smaybeimagined；hehadalmostforgottenhisfatherhood，forRogerhadtakenthepartofatrueandkindfriendinexplainingtheposition。AtthesametimeValerie’sinfluencewassogreatthat，bythemiddleofdinner，theBaronwastuneduptothepitch，andwasallthemorecheerfulforhavingunwontedanxietiestoconceal；butthehaplessmanwasnotyetawarethatinthecourseofthateveninghewouldfindhimselfinacleftstick，betweenhishappinessandthedangerpointedoutbyhisfriend——compelled，inshort，tochoosebetweenMadameMarneffeandhisofficialposition。
　　Ateleveno’clock，whentheeveningwasatitsgayest，fortheroomwasfullofcompany，ValeriedrewHectorintoacornerofhersofa。”Mydearoldboy，”saidshe，”yourdaughterissoannoyedatknowingthatWenceslascomeshere，thatshehaslefthim’planted。’Hortenseiswrong-headed。AskWenceslastoshowyoutheletterthelittlefoolhaswrittentohim。”Thisdivisionoftwolovers，ofwhichIamreputedtobethecause，maydomethegreatestharm，forthisishowvirtuouswomenundermineeachother。Itisdisgracefultoposeasavictiminordertocasttheblameonawomanwhoseonlycrimeisthatshekeepsapleasanthouse。
　　Ifyouloveme，youwillclearmycharacterbyreconcilingthesweetturtle-doves。”Idonotintheleastcareaboutyourson-in-law’svisits；youbroughthimhere——takehimawayagain！Ifyouhaveanyauthorityinyourfamily，itseemstomethatyoumayverywellinsistonyourwife’spatchingupthissquabble。Telltheworthyoldladyfromme，thatifIamunjustlychargedwithhavingcausedayoungcoupletoquarrel，withupsettingtheunityofafamily，andannexingboththefatherandtheson-in-law，Iwilldeservemyreputationbyannoyingtheminmyownway！Why，hereisLisbethtalkingofthrowingmeover！
　　Shepreferstosticktoherfamily，andIcannotblameherforit。Shewillthrowmeover，saysshe，unlesstheyoungpeoplemakefriendsagain。Aprettystateofthings！Ourexpensesherewillbetrebled！””Oh，asforthat！”saidtheBaron，onhearingofhisdaughter’sstrongmeasures，”Iwillhavenononsenseofthatkind。””Verywell，”saidValerie。”Andnowforthenextthing——WhataboutCoquet’splace？””That，”saidHector，lookingaway，”ismoredifficult，nottosayimpossible。””Impossible，mydearHector？”saidMadameMarneffeintheBaron’sear。”ButyoudonotknowtowhatlengthsMarneffewillgo。Iamcompletelyinhispower；heisimmoralforhisowngratification，likemostmen，butheisexcessivelyvindictive，likeallweakandimpotentnatures。
　　Inthepositiontowhichyouhavereducedme，Iaminhispower。Iamboundtobeontermswithhimforafewdays，andheisquitecapableofrefusingtoleavemyroomanymore。”
　　Hulotstartedwithhorror。”Hewouldleavemealoneonconditionofbeinghead-clerk。Itisabominable——butlogical。””Valerie，doyouloveme？””InthestateinwhichIam，mydear，thequestionisthemeanestinsult。””Well，then——ifIweretoattempt，merelytoattempt，toaskthePrinceforaplaceforMarneffe，Ishouldbedonefor，andMarneffewouldbeturnedout。””IthoughtthatyouandthePrinceweresuchintimatefriends。””Weare，andhehasamplyprovedit；but，mychild，thereisauthorityabovetheMarshal’s——forinstance，thewholeCouncilofMinisters。
　　Withtimeandalittletacking，weshallgetthere。But，tosucceed，I
　　mustwaittillthemomentwhensomeserviceisrequiredofme。ThenI
　　cansayonegoodturndeservesanother——””IfItellMarneffethistale，mypoorHector，hewillplayussomemeantrick。Youmusttellhimyourselfthathehastowait。Iwillnotundertaketodoso。Oh！Iknowwhatmyfatewouldbe。Heknowshowtopunishme！Hewillhenceforthsharemyroom——”Donotforgettosettlethetwelvehundredfrancsayearonthelittleone！”
　　Hulot，seeinghispleasuresindanger，tookMonsieurMarneffeaside，andforthefirsttimederogatedfromthehaughtytonehehadalwaysassumedtowardshim，sogreatlywashehorrifiedbythethoughtofthathalf-deadcreatureinhisprettyyoungwife’sbedroom。”Marneffe，mydearfellow，”saidhe，”Ihavebeentalkingofyouto-day。Butyoucannotbepromotedtothefirstclassjustyet。Wemusthavetime。””Iwillbe，MonsieurleBaron，”saidMarneffeshortly。”But，mydearfellow——””I/will/be，MonsieurleBaron，”Marneffecoldlyrepeated，lookingalternatelyattheBaronandatValerie。”Youhaveplacedmywifeinapositionthatnecessitateshermakingupherdifferenceswithme，andImeantokeepher；for，/mydearfellow/，sheisacharmingcreature，”headded，withcrushingirony。”Iammasterhere——morethanyouareattheWarOffice。”