Fromthetenoroftheseremarksitwastobeinferredthattheprincesshadthedepthofaprecipice，thegraceofaqueen，thecorruptionofdiplomatists，themysteryofafirstinitiation，andthedangerousqualitiesofasiren。Thetwoclevermenoftheworld，incapableofforeseeingthedenouementoftheirjoke，succeededinpresentingDianed’UxellesasaconsummatespecimenoftheParisianwoman，thecleverestofcoquettes，themostenchantingmistressintheworld。Rightorwrong，thewomanwhomtheythustreatedsolightlywassacredtod’Arthez；hisdesiretomeetherneedednospur；heconsentedtodosoatthefirstword，whichwasallthetwofriendswantedofhim。
Madamed’Espardwenttoseetheprincessassoonasshehadreceivedthisanswer。
"Mydear，doyoufeelyourselfinfullbeautyandcoquetry？"shesaid。
"Ifso，comeanddinewithmeafewdayshence，andI’llserveupd’Arthez。Ourmanofgeniusisbynature，itseems，asavage；hefearswomen，andhasneverloved！Makeyourplansonthat。Heisallintellect，andsosimplethathe’llmisleadyouintofeelingnodistrust。Buthispenetration，whichiswhollyretrospective，actslater，andfrustratescalculation。Youmayhoodwinkhimto-day，butto-morrownothingcandupehim。"
"Ah！"criedtheprincess，"ifIwereonlythirtyyearsoldwhatamusementImighthavewithhim！TheoneenjoymentIhavelackeduptothepresentisamanofintellecttofool。Ihavehadonlypartners，neveradversaries。Lovewasameregameinsteadofbeingabattle。"
"Dearprincess，admitthatIamverygenerous；for，afterall，youknow！——charitybeginsathome。"
Thetwowomenlookedateachother，laughing，andclaspedhandsinafriendlyway。Assuredlytheybothkneweachother’ssecrets，andthiswasnotthefirstmannorthefirstservicethatonehadgiventotheother；forsincereandlastingfriendshipsbetweenwomenoftheworldneedtobecementedbyafewlittlecrimes。Whentwofriendsareliabletokilleachotherreciprocally，andseeapoisoneddaggerineachother’shand，theypresentatouchingspectacleofharmony，whichisnevertroubled，unless，bychance，oneofthemiscarelessenoughtodropherweapon。
So，eightdayslater，alittledinnersuchasaregiventointimatesbyverbalinvitationonly，duringwhichthedoorsareclosedtoallothervisitors，tookplaceatMadamed’Espard’shouse。Fivepersonswereinvited，——EmileBlondetandMadamedeMontcornet，Danield’Arthez，Rastignac，andthePrincessedeCadignan。Countingthemistressofthehouse，therewereasmanymenaswomen。
Chanceneverexerteditselftomakewiserpreparationsthanthosewhichopenedthewaytoameetingbetweend’ArthezandMadamedeCadignan。Theprincessisstillconsideredoneofthechiefauthoritiesondress，which，towomen，isthefirstofarts。Onthisoccasionsheworeagownofbluevelvetwithflowingwhitesleeves，andatulleguimpe，slightlyfrilledandedgedwithblue，coveringtheshoulders，andrisingnearlytothethroat，asweseeinseveralofRaffaele’sportraits。Hermaidhaddressedherhairwithwhiteheather，adroitlyplacedamongitsblondcascades，whichwereoneofthegreatbeautiestowhichsheowedhercelebrity。
CertainlyDianedidnotlooktobemorethantwenty-fiveyearsold。
Fouryearsofsolitudeandreposehadrestoredthefreshnessofhercomplexion。Besides，therearemomentswhenthedesiretopleasegivesanincreaseofbeautytowomen。Thewillisnotwithoutinfluenceonthevariationsoftheface。Ifviolentemotionshavethepowertoyellowthewhitetonesofpersonsofbiliousandmelancholytemperament，andtogreenlymphaticfaces，shallwenotgranttodesire，hope，andjoy，thefacultyofclearingtheskin，givingbrilliancytotheeye，andbrighteningtheglowofbeautywithalightasjocundasthatofalovelymorning？Thecelebratedfaintnessoftheprincesshadtakenonaripenesswhichnowmadeherseemmoreaugust。
Atthismomentofherlife，impressedbyhermanyvicissitudesandbyseriousreflections，hernoble，dreamybrowharmonizeddelightfullywiththeslow，majesticglanceofherblueeyes。Itwasimpossiblefortheablestphysiognomisttoimaginecalculationorself-willbeneaththatunspeakabledelicacyoffeature。Therewerefacesofwomenwhichdeceiveknowledge，andmisleadobservationbytheircalmnessanddelicacy；itisnecessarytoexaminesuchfaceswhenpassionsspeak，andthatisdifficult，oraftertheyhavespoken，whichisnolongerofanyuse，forthenthewomanisoldandhasceasedtodissimulate。
Theprincessisoneofthoseimpenetrablewomen；shecanmakeherselfwhatshepleasestobe：playful，childlike，distractinglyinnocent；orreflective，serious，andprofoundenoughtoexciteanxiety。ShecametoMadamed’Espard’sdinnerwiththeintentionofbeingagentle，simplewoman，towhomlifewasknownonlythroughitsdeceptions：awomanfullofsoul，andcalumniated，butresigned，——inshort，awoundedangel。
Shearrivedearly，soastoposeonasofanearthefirebesideMadamed’Espard，asshewishedtobefirstseen：thatis，inoneofthoseattitudesinwhichscienceisconcealedbeneathanexquisitenaturalness；astudiedattitude，puttinginreliefthebeautifulserpentineoutlinewhich，startingfromthefoot，risesgracefullytothehip，andcontinueswithadorablecurvestotheshoulder，presenting，infact，aprofileofthewholebody。Withasubtletywhichfewwomenwouldhavedreamedof，Diane，tothegreatamazementofthemarquise，hadbroughthersonwithher。Afteramoment’sreflection，Madamed’Espardpressedtheprincess’shand，withalookofintelligencethatseemedtosay：——
"Iunderstandyou！Bymakingd’Arthezacceptallthedifficultiesatonceyouwillnothavetoconquerthemlater。"
Rastignacbroughtd’Arthez。Theprincessmadenoneofthosecomplimentstothecelebratedauthorwithwhichvulgarpersonsoverwhelmedhim；butshetreatedhimwithakindnessfullofgracefulrespect，which，withher，wastheutmostextentofherconcessions。
HermannerwasdoubtlessthesamewiththeKingofFranceandtheroyalprinces。Sheseemedhappytoseethisgreatman，andgladthatshehadsoughthim。Personsoftaste，liketheprincess，areespeciallydistinguishedfortheirmanneroflistening，foranaffabilitywithoutsuperciliousness，whichistopolitenesswhatpracticeistovirtue。Whenthecelebratedmanspoke，shetookanattentiveattitude，athousandtimesmoreflatteringthanthebest-
seasonedcompliments。Themutualpresentationwasmadequietly，withoutemphasis，andinperfectlygoodtaste，bythemarquise。
Atdinnerd’Arthezwasplacedbesidetheprincess，who，farfromimitatingtheeccentricitiesofdietwhichmanyaffectedwomendisplay，ateherdinnerwithaverygoodappetite，makingitapointofhonortoseemanaturalwoman，withoutstrangewaysorfancies。
Betweentwocoursesshetookadvantageoftheconversationbecominggeneraltosaytod’Arthez，inasortofaside：——
"ThesecretofthepleasureItakeinfindingmyselfbesideyou，isthedesireIfeeltolearnsomethingofanunfortunatefriendofyours，monsieur。Hediedforanothercausegreaterthanours；butI
wasunderthegreatestobligationstohim，althoughunabletoacknowledgeorthankhimforthem。Iknowthatyouwereoneofhisbestfriends。Yourmutualfriendship，pureandunalterable，isaclaimuponme。Youwillnot，Iamsure，thinkitextraordinary，thatIhavewishedtoknowallyoucouldtellmeofamansodeartoyou。ThoughI
amattachedtotheexiledfamily，andbound，ofcourse，toholdmonarchicalopinions，Iamnotamongthosewhothinkitisimpossibletobebothrepublicanandnobleinheart。Monarchyandtherepublicaretwoformsofgovernmentwhichdonotstiflenoblesentiments。"
"MichelChrestienwasanangel，madame，"repliedDaniel，inavoiceofemotion。"Idon’tknowamongtheheroesofantiquityagreaterthanhe。Becarefulnottothinkhimoneofthosenarrow-mindedrepublicanswhowouldliketorestoretheConventionandtheamenitiesoftheCommitteeofPublicSafety。No，MicheldreamedoftheSwissfederationappliedtoallEurope。Letusown，betweenourselves，thatAFTERthegloriousgovernmentofonemanonly，which，asIthink，isparticularlysuitedtoournation，Michel’ssystemwouldleadtothesuppressionofwarinthisoldworld，anditsreconstructiononbasesotherthanthoseofconquest，whichformerlyfeudalizedit。Fromthispointofviewtherepublicanscamenearesttohisidea。ThatiswhyhelentthemhisarminJuly，andwaskilledatSaint-Merri。Thoughcompletelyapartinopinion，heandIwerecloselyboundtogetherasfriends。"
"Thatisnoblepraiseforbothnatures，"saidMadamedeCadignan，timidly。
"Duringthelastfouryearsofhislife，"continuedDaniel，"hemadetomealoneaconfidenceofhisloveforyou，andthisconfidenceknittedcloserthaneverthealreadystrongtiesofbrotherlyaffection。Healone，madame，canhavelovedyouasyououghttobeloved。ManyatimeIhavebeenpeltedwithrainasweaccompaniedyourcarriageatthepaceofthehorses，tokeepataparalleldistance，andseeyou——admireyou。"
"Ah！monsieur，"saidtheprincess，"howcanIrepaysuchfeelings！"
"WhyisMichelnothere！"exclaimedDaniel，inmelancholyaccents。
"Perhapshewouldnothavelovedmelong，"saidtheprincess，shakingherheadsadly。"Republicansaremoreabsoluteintheirideasthanweabsolutists，whosefaultisindulgence。Nodoubtheimaginedmeperfect，andsocietywouldhavecruellyundeceivedhim。Wearepursued，wewomen，byasmanycalumniesasyouauthorsarecompelledtoendureinyourliterarylife；butwe，alas！cannotdefendourselveseitherbyourworksorbyourfame。Theworldwillnotbelieveustobewhatweare，butwhatitthinksustobe。Itwouldsoonhavehiddenfromhiseyestherealbutunknownwomanthatisinme，behindthefalseportraitoftheimaginarywomanwhichtheworldconsiderstrue。
Hewouldhavecometothinkmeunworthyofthenoblefeelingshehadforme，andincapableofcomprehendinghim。"
Heretheprincessshookherhead，swayingthebeautifulblondcurls，fullofheather，withatouchinggesture。Thisplaintiveexpressionofgrievousdoubtsandhiddensorrowsisindescribable。Danielunderstoodthemall；andhelookedattheprincesswithkeenemotion。
"Andyet，thenightonwhichIlastsawhim，aftertherevolutionofJuly，IwasonthepointofgivingwaytothedesireIfelttotakehishandandpressitbeforealltheworld，undertheperistyleoftheopera-house。Butthethoughtcametomethatsuchaproofofgratitudemightbemisinterpreted；likesomanyotherlittlethingsdonefromnoblemotiveswhicharecalledto-daythefolliesofMadamedeMaufrigneuse——thingswhichIcanneverexplain，fornonebutmysonandGodhaveunderstoodme。"
Thesewords，breathedintotheearofthelistener，intonesinaudibletotheotherguests，andwithaccentsworthyofthecleverestactress，werecalculatedtoreachtheheart；andtheydidreachthatofd’Arthez。Therewasnoquestionofhimselfinthematter；thiswomanwasseekingtorehabilitateherselfinfavorofthedead。Shehadbeencalumniated；andsheevidentlywantedtoknowifanythinghadtarnishedherintheeyesofhimwhohadlovedher；hadhediedwithallhisillusions？
"Michel，"repliedd’Arthez，"wasoneofthosemenwholoveabsolutely，andwho，iftheychooseill，cansufferwithoutrenouncingthewomantheyhaveonceelected。"
"WasIlovedthus？"shesaid，withanairofexaltedbeatitude。
"Yes，madame。"
"Imadehishappiness？"
"Forfouryears。"
"Awomanneverhearsofsuchathingwithoutasentimentofproudsatisfaction，"shesaid，turninghersweetandnoblefacetod’Arthezwithamovementfullofmodestconfusion。
Oneofthemostskilfulmanoeuvresoftheseactressesistoveiltheirmannerwhenwordsaretooexpressive，andspeakwiththeireyeswhenlanguageisrestrained。Thesecleverdiscords，slippedintothemusicoftheirlove，beitfalseortrue，produceirresistibleattractions。
"Isitnot，"shesaid，loweringhervoiceandhereyes，afterfeelingwellassuredtheyhadproducedhereffect，——"isitnotfulfillingone’sdestinytohaverenderedagreatmanhappy？"
"Didhenotwritethattoyou？"
"Yes；butIwantedtobesure，quitesure；for，believeme，monsieur，inputtingmesohighhewasnotmistaken。"
Womenknowhowtogiveapeculiarsacrednesstotheirwords；theycommunicatesomethingvibranttothem，whichextendsthemeaningoftheirideas，andgivesthemdepth；thoughlatertheirfascinatedlistenermaynotrememberpreciselywhattheysaid，theirendhasbeencompletelyattained，——whichistheobjectofalleloquence。TheprincessmightatthatmomenthavebeenwearingthediademofFrance，andherbrowcouldnothaveseemedmoreimposingthanitwasbeneaththatcrownofgoldenhair，braidedlikeacoronet，andadornedwithheather。Shewassimpleandcalm；nothingbetrayedasenseofanynecessitytoappearso，noranydesiretoseemgrandorloving。
D’Arthez，thesolitarytoiler，towhomthewaysoftheworldwereunknown，whomstudyhadwrappedinitsprotectingveils，wasthedupeofhertonesandwords。Hewasunderthespellofthoseexquisitemanners；headmiredthatperfectbeauty，ripenedbymisfortune，placidinretirement；headoredtheunionofsorareamindandsonobleasoul；andhelongedtobecome，himself，theheirofMichelChrestien。
Thebeginningofthispassionwas，asinthecaseofalmostalldeepthinkers，anidea。Lookingattheprincess，studyingtheshapeofherhead，thearrangementofthosesweetfeatures，herfigure，herhand，sofinelymodelled，closerthanwhenheaccompaniedhisfriendintheirwildrushthroughthestreets，hewasstruckbythesurprisingphenomenonofthemoralsecond-sightwhichamanexaltedbyloveinvariablyfindswithinhim。WithwhatlucidityhadMichelChrestienreadintothatsoul，thatheart，illuminedbythefiresoflove！Thustheprincessacquired，ind’Arthez’seyes，anothercharm；ahaloofpoesysurroundedher。
Asthedinnerproceeded，Danielcalledtomindthevariousconfidencesofhisfriend，hisdespair，hishopes，thenoblepoemsofatruesentimentsungtohisearalone，inhonorofthiswoman。Itisrarethatamanpasseswithoutremorsefromthepositionofconfidanttothatofrival，andd’Arthezwasfreetodosowithoutdishonor。Hehadsuddenly，inamoment，perceivedtheenormousdifferencesexistingbetweenawell-bredwoman，thatflowerofthegreatworld，andcommonwomen，thoughofthelatterhedidnotknowbeyondonespecimen。Hewasthuscapturedonthemostaccessibleandsensitivesidesofhissoulandofhisgenius。Impelledbyhissimplicity，andbytheimpetuosityofhisideas，tolayimmediateclaimtothiswoman，hefoundhimselfrestrainedbysociety，alsobythebarrierwhichthemannersand，letussaytheword，themajestyoftheprincessplacedbetweenthem。Theconversation，whichremaineduponthetopicofMichelChrestienuntilthedessert，wasanexcellentpretextforbothtospeakinalowvoice：love，sympathy，comprehension！shecouldposeasamalignedandmisunderstoodwoman；hecouldsliphisfeetintotheshoesofthedeadrepublican。Perhapshiscandidminddetecteditselfinregrettinghisdeadfriendless。Theprincess，atthemomentwhenthedessertappeareduponthetable，andtheguestswereseparatedbyabrillianthedgeoffruitsandsweetmeats，thoughtbesttoputanendtothisflowofconfidencesbyacharminglittlespeech，inwhichshedelicatelyexpressedtheideathatDanielandMichelweretwinsouls。
Afterthisd’Arthezthrewhimselfintothegeneralconversationwiththegayetyofachild，andaself-conceitedairthatwasworthyofaschoolboy。Whentheyleftthedining-room，theprincesstookd’Arthez’sarm，inthesimplestmanner，toreturntoMadamed’Espard’slittlesalon。Astheycrossedthegrandsalonshewalkedslowly，andwhensufficientlyseparatedfromthemarquise，whowasonBlondet’sarm，shestopped。
"Idonotwishtobeinaccessibletothefriendofthatpoorman，"shesaidtod’Arthez；"andthoughIhavemadeitaruletoreceivenovisitors，youwillalwaysbewelcomeinmyhouse。Donotthinkthisafavor。Afavorisonlyforstrangers，andtomymindyouandIseemoldfriends；IseeinyouthebrotherofMichel。"
D’Arthezcouldonlypressherarm，unabletomakeotherreply。
Aftercoffeewasserved，DianedeCadignanwrappedherself，withcoquettishmotions，inalargeshawl，androse。BlondetandRastignacweretoomuchmenoftheworld，andtoopolitetomaketheleastremonstrance，ortrytodetainher；butMadamed’Espardcompelledherfriendtositdownagain，whisperinginherear：——
"Waittilltheservantshavehadtheirdinner；thecarriageisnotreadyyet。"
Sosaying，themarquisemadeasigntothefootman，whowastakingawaythecoffee-tray。MadamedeMontcornetperceivedthattheprincessandMadamed’Espardhadawordtosaytoeachother，andshedrewaroundherd’Arthez，Rastignac，andBlondet，amusingthemwithoneofthosecleverparadoxicalattackswhichParisianwomenunderstandsothoroughly。
"Well，"saidthemarquisetoDiane，"whatdoyouthinkofhim？"
"Heisanadorablechild，justoutofswaddling-clothes！Thistime，likeallothertimes，itwillonlybeatriumphwithoutastruggle。"
"Well，itisdisappointing，"saidMadamed’Espard。"Butwemightevadeit。"
"How？"
"Letmebeyourrival。"
"Justasyouplease，"repliedtheprincess。"I’vedecidedonmycourse。Geniusisaconditionofthebrain；Idon’tknowwhattheheartgetsoutofit；we’lltalkaboutthatlater。"
Hearingthelastfewwords，whichwerewhollyincomprehensibletoher，Madamed’Espardreturnedtothegeneralconversation，showingneitheroffenceatthatindifferent"Asyouplease，"norcuriosityastotheoutcomeoftheinterview。Theprincessstayedanhourlonger，seatedonthesofanearthefire，inthecareless，nonchalantattitudeofGuerin’sDido，listeningwiththeattentionofanabsorbedmind，andlookingatDanielnowandthen，withoutdisguisingheradmiration，whichneverwent，however，beyondduelimits。Sheslippedawaywhenthecarriagewasannounced，withapressureofthehandtothemarquise，andaninclinationoftheheadtoMadamedeMontcornet。
Theeveningconcludedwithoutanyallusiontotheprincess。Theotherguestsprofitedbythesortofexaltationwhichd’Arthezhadreached，forheputforththetreasuresofhismind。InBlondetandRastignachecertainlyhadtwoacolytesofthefirstqualitytobringforththedelicacyofhiswitandthebreadthofhisintellect。Asforthetwowomen，theyhadlongbeencountedamongthecleverestinsociety。Thiseveningwaslikeahaltintheoasisofadesert，——arareenjoyment，andwellappreciatedbythesefourpersons，habituallyvictimizedtotheendlesscautionentailedbytheworldofsalonsandpolitics。
Therearebeingswhohavetheprivilegeofpassingamongmenlikebeneficentstars，whoselightilluminesthemind，whileitsrayssendaglowtotheheart。D’Arthezwasoneofthosebeings。Awriterwhorisestohislevel，accustomshimselftofreethought，andforgetsthatinsocietyallthingscannotbesaid；itisimpossibleforsuchamantoobservetherestraintofpersonswholiveintheworldperpetually；butashiseccentricitiesofthoughtborethemarkoforiginality，noonefeltinclinedtocomplain。Thiszest，thispiquancy，rareinmeretalent，thisyouthfulnessandsimplicityofsoulwhichmaded’Arthezsonoblyoriginal，gaveadelightfulcharmtothisevening。HeleftthehousewithRastignac，who，astheydrovehome，askedhimhowhelikedtheprincess。
"Micheldidwelltoloveher，"repliedd’Arthez；"sheis，indeed，anextraordinarywoman。"
"Veryextraordinary，"repliedRastignac，dryly。"BythetoneofyourvoiceIshouldjudgeyouwereinlovewithheralready。Youwillbeinherhousewithinthreedays；andIamtoooldadenizenofParisnottoknowwhatwillbetheupshotofthat。Well，mydearDaniel，Idoentreatyounottoallowyourselftobedrawnintoanyconfusionofinterests，sotospeak。Lovetheprincessifyoufeelanyloveforherinyourheart，butkeepaneyeonyourfortune。Shehasnevertakenoraskedapennyfromanymanonearth，sheisfartoomuchofad’UxellesandaCadignanforthat；but，tomyknowledge，shehasnotonlyspentherownfortune，whichwasveryconsiderable，butshehasmadeotherswastemillions。How？why？bywhatmeans？Nooneknows；shedoesn’tknowherself。Imyselfsawherswallowup，somethirteenyearsago，theentirefortuneofacharmingyoungfellow，andthatofanoldnotary，intwentymonths。"
"Thirteenyearsago！"exclaimedd’Arthez，——"why，howoldisshenow？"
"Didn’tyousee，atdinner，"repliedRastignac，laughing，"herson，theDucdeMaufrigneuse。Thatyoungmanisnineteenyearsold；
nineteenandseventeenmake——"
"Thirty-six！"criedtheamazedauthor。"Igavehertwenty。"
"She’llacceptthem，"saidRastignac；"butdon’tbeuneasy，shewillalwaysbetwentytoyou。Youareabouttoenterthemostfantasticofworlds。Good-night，hereyouareathome，"saidthebaron，astheyenteredtheruedeBellefond，whered’Arthezlivedinaprettylittlehouseofhisown。"WeshallmeetatMademoiselledesTouches’sinthecourseoftheweek。"
CHAPTERIII
THEPRINCESSGOESTOWORK
D’ArthezallowedlovetoenterhisheartafterthemannerofmyUncleToby，withoutmakingtheslightestresistance；heproceededbyadorationwithoutcriticism，andbyexclusiveadmiration。Theprincess，thatnoblecreature，oneofthemostremarkablecreationsofourmonstrousParis，whereallthingsarepossible，goodaswellasevil，became——whatevervulgaritythecourseoftimemayhavegiventotheexpression——theangelofhisdreams。Tofullyunderstandthesuddentransformationofthisillustriousauthor，itisnecessarytorealizethesimplicitythatconstantworkandsolitudeleaveintheheart；allthatlove——reducedtoamereneed，andnowrepugnant，besideanignoblewoman——excitesofregretandlongingsfordivinersentimentsinthehigherregionsofthesoul。D’Arthezwas，indeed，thechild，theboythatMadamedeCadignanhadrecognized。AnilluminationsomethinglikehisownhadtakenplaceinthebeautifulDiane。Atlastshehadmetthatsuperiormanwhomallwomendesireandseek，ifonlytomakeaplaythingofhim，——thatpowerwhichtheyconsenttoobey，ifonlyforthepleasureofsubduingit；atlastshehadfoundthegrandeursoftheintellectunitedwiththesimplicityofaheartallnewtolove；andshesaw，withuntoldhappiness，thatthesemeritswerecontainedinaformthatpleasedher。Shethoughtd’Arthezhandsome，andperhapshewas。Thoughhehadreachedtheageofgravity（forhewasnowthirty-eight），hestillpreservedaflowerofyouth，duetothesoberandasceticlifewhichhehadled。Likeallmenofsedentaryhabits，andstatesmen，hehadacquiredacertainlyreasonableembonpoint。Whenveryyoung，heboresomeresemblancetoBonaparte；andthelikenessstillcontinued，asmuchasamanwithblackeyesandthick，darkhaircouldresembleasovereignwithblueeyesandscanty，chestnuthair。Butwhateverthereoncewasofardentandnobleambitioninthegreatauthor’seyeshadbeensomewhatquenchedbysuccesses。Thethoughtswithwhichthatbrowonceteemedhadflowered；thelinesofthehollowfacewerefillingout。Easenowspreaditsgoldentintswhere，inyouth，povertyhadlaidtheyellowtonesoftheclassoftemperamentwhoseforcesbandtogethertosupportacrushingandlong-continuedstruggle。Ifyouobservecarefullythenoblefacesofancientphilosophers，youwillalwaysfindthosedeviationsfromthetypeofaperfecthumanfacewhichshowthecharacteristictowhicheachcountenanceowesitsoriginality，chastenedbythehabitofmeditation，andbythecalmnessnecessaryforintellectuallabor。Themostirregularfeatures，likethoseofSocrates，forinstance，become，afteratime，expressiveofanalmostdivineserenity。
Tothenoblesimplicitywhichcharacterizedhishead，d’Arthezaddedanaiveexpression，thenaturalnessofachild，andatouchingkindliness。Hedidnothavethatpolitenesstingedwithinsinceritywithwhich，insociety，thebest-bredpersonsandthemostamiableassumequalitiesinwhichtheyareoftenlacking，leavingthosetheyhavethusdupedwoundedanddistressed。Hemight，indeed，failtoobservecertainrulesofsociallife，owingtohisisolatedmodeofliving；buthenevershockedthesensibilities，andthereforethisperfumeofsavagerymadethepeculiaraffabilityofamanofgreattalentthemoreagreeable；suchmenknowhowtoleavetheirsuperiorityintheirstudies，andcomedowntothesociallevel，lendingtheirbacks，likeHenryIV。，tothechildren’sleap-frog，andtheirmindstofools。
Ifd’Arthezdidnotbracehimselfagainstthespellwhichtheprincesshadcastabouthim，neitherdidsheherselfarguethematterinherownmind，onreturninghome。Itwassettledforher。Shelovedwithallherknowledgeandallherignorance。Ifshequestionedherselfatall，itwastoaskwhethershedeservedsogreatahappiness，andwhatshehaddonethatHeavenshouldsendhersuchanangel。Shewantedtobeworthyofthatlove，toperpetuateit，tomakeitherownforever，andtogentlyendhercareeroffrivolityintheparadiseshenowforesaw。Asforcoquetting，quibbling，resisting，sheneveroncethoughtofit。Shewasthinkingofsomethingverydifferent！——ofthegrandeurofmenofgenius，andthecertaintywhichherheartdivinedthattheywouldneversubjectthewomantheychosetoordinarylaws。
Herebeginsoneofthoseunseencomedies，playedinthesecretregionsoftheconsciousnessbetweentwobeingsofwhomonewillbethedupeoftheother，thoughitkeepsonthissideofwickedness；oneofthosedarkandcomicdramastowhichthatofTartuffeismerechild’splay，——dramasthatdonotenterthescenicdomain，althoughtheyarenatural，conceivable，andevenjustifiablebynecessity；dramaswhichmaybecharacterizedasnotvice，onlytheothersideofit。
Theprincessbeganbysendingford’Arthez’sbooks，ofwhichshehadnever，asyet，readasingleword，althoughshehadmanagedtomaintainatwentyminutes’eulogismanddiscussionofthemwithoutablunder。Shenowreadthemall。Thenshewantedtocomparethesebookswiththebestthatcontemporaryliteraturehadproduced。Bythetimed’Arthezcametoseehershewashavinganindigestionofmind。
Expectingthisvisit，shehaddailymadeatoiletofwhatmaybecalledthesuperiororder；thatis，atoiletwhichexpressesanidea，andmakesitacceptedbytheeyewithouttheowneroftheeyeknowingwhyorwherefore。Shepresentedanharmoniouscombinationofshadesofgray，asortofsemi-mourning，fullofgracefulrenunciation，——thegarmentsofawomanwhoholdstolifeonlythroughafewnaturalties，——herchild，forinstance，——butwhoiswearyoflife。Thosegarmentsborewitnesstoanelegantdisgust，notreaching，however，asfarassuicide；no，shewouldliveoutherdaysintheseearthlygalleys。
Shereceivedd’Arthezasawomanwhoexpectedhim，andasifhehadalreadybeentoseeherahundredtimes；shedidhimthehonortotreathimlikeanoldacquaintance，andsheputhimathiseasebypointingtoaseatonasofa，whileshefinishedanoteshewasthenwriting。Theconversationbeganinacommonplacemanner：theweather，theministry，deMarsay’sillness，thehopesofthelegitimists。
D’Arthezwasanabsolutist；theprincesscouldnotbeignorantoftheopinionsofamanwhosatintheChamberamongthefifteenortwentypersonswhorepresentedthelegitimistparty；shefoundmeanstotellhimhowshehadfooleddeMarsaytothetopofhisbent，then，byaneasytransitiontotheroyalfamilyandto"Madame，"andthedevotionofthePrincedeCadignantotheirservice，shedrewd’Arthez’sattentiontotheprince：——
"Thereisthistobesaidforhim：helovedhismasters，andwasfaithfultothem。Hispubliccharacterconsolesmeforthesufferingshisprivatelifehasinflicteduponme——Haveyouneverremarked，"shewenton，cleverlyleavingtheprinceaside，"youwhoobservesomuch，thatmenhavetwonatures：oneoftheirhomes，theirwives，theirprivatelives，——thisistheirtrueself；herenomask，nodissimulation；theydonotgivethemselvesthetroubletodisguiseafeeling；theyarewhattheyARE，anditisoftenhorrible！Theothermanisforothers，fortheworld，forsalons；thecourt，thesovereign，thepublicoftenseethemgrand，andnoble，andgenerous，embroideredwithvirtues，adornedwithfinelanguage，fullofadmirablequalities。Whatahorriblejestitis！——andtheworldissurprised，sometimes，atthecausticsmileofcertainwomen，attheirairofsuperioritytotheirhusbands，andtheirindifference——"
Sheletherhandfallalongthearmofherchair，withoutendinghersentence，butthegestureadmirablycompletedthespeech。Shesawd’Arthezwatchingherflexiblefigure，gracefullybendinginthedepthsofhereasy-chair，notingthefoldsofhergown，andtheprettylittlerufflewhichsportedonherbreast，——oneofthoseaudacitiesofthetoiletthataresuitedonlytoslenderwaists，——andsheresumedthethreadofherthoughtsasifshewerespeakingtoherself：——
"ButIwillsaynomore。Youwritershaveendedbymakingridiculousallwomenwhothinktheyaremisunderstood，orill-mated，andwhotrytomakethemselvesdramaticallyinteresting，——attemptswhichseemtome，Imustsay，intolerablyvulgar。Therearebuttwothingsforwomeninthatplighttodo，——yield，andallisover；resist，andamusethemselves；ineithercasetheyshouldkeepsilence。ItistruethatI
neitheryieldedwholly，norresistedwholly；but，perhaps，thatwasonlythemorereasonwhyIshouldbesilent。Whatfollyforwomentocomplain！Iftheyhavenotprovedthestronger，theyhavefailedinsense，intact，incapacity，andtheydeservetheirfate。AretheynotqueensinFrance？Theycanplaywithyouastheylike，whentheylike，andasmuchastheylike。"Hereshedancedhervinaigrettewithanairymovementoffeminineimpertinenceandmockinggayety。"Ihaveoftenheardmiserablelittlespecimensofmysexregrettingthattheywerewomen，wishingtheyweremen；Ihavealwaysregardedthemwithpity。IfIhadtochoose，Ishouldstillelecttobeawoman。Afinepleasure，indeed，tooweone’striumphtoforce，andtoallthosepowerswhichyougiveyourselvesbythelawsyoumake！Buttoseeyouatourfeet，sayinganddoingfoolishthings，——ah！itisanintoxicatingpleasuretofeelwithinoursoulsthatweaknesstriumphs！
Butwhenwetriumph，weoughttokeepsilence，underpainoflosingourempire。Beaten，awoman’sprideshouldgagher。Theslave’ssilencealarmsthemaster。"
Thischatterwasutteredinavoicesosoftlysarcastic，sodainty，andwithsuchcoquettishmotionsofthehead，thatd’Arthez，towhomthisstyleofwomanwastotallyunknown，satbeforeherexactlylikeapartridgecharmedbyasetter。
"Ientreatyou，madame，"hesaid，atlast，"totellmehowitwaspossiblethatamancouldmakeyousuffer？Beassuredthatwhere，asyousay，otherwomenarecommonandvulgar，youcanonlyseemdistinguished；yourmannerofsayingthingswouldmakeacook-bookinteresting。"
"Yougofastinfriendship，"shesaid，inagravevoicewhichmaded’Arthezextremelyuneasy。
Theconversationchanged；thehourwaslate，andthepoormanofgeniuswentawaycontriteforhavingseemedcurious，andforwoundingthesensitiveheartofthatrarewomanwhohadsostrangelysuffered。
Asforher，shehadpassedherlifeinamusingherselfwithmen，andwasanotherDonJuaninfemaleattire，withthisdifference：shewouldcertainlynothaveinvitedtheCommandertosupper，andwouldhavegotthebetterofanystatue。
ItisimpossibletocontinuethistalewithoutsayingawordaboutthePrincedeCadignan，betterknownunderthenameoftheDucdeMaufrigneuse，otherwisethespiceoftheprincess’sconfidenceswouldbelost，andstrangerswouldnotunderstandtheParisiancomedyshewasabouttoplayforhermanofgenius。
TheDucdeMaufrigneuse，likeatruesonoftheoldPrincedeCadignan，isatall，leanman，ofelegantshape，verygraceful，asayerofwittythings，colonelbythegraceofGod，andagoodsoldierbyaccident；braveasaPole，whichmeanswithoutsenseordiscernment，andhidingtheemptinessofhismindunderthejargonofgoodsociety。Aftertheageofthirty-sixhewasforcedtobeasabsolutelyindifferenttothefairsexashismasterCharlesX。，punished，likethatmaster，forhavingpleasedittoowell。ForeighteenyearstheidolofthefaubourgSaint-Germain，hehad，likeotherheirsofgreatfamiliesledadissipatedlife，spentsolelyonpleasure。Hisfather，ruinedbytherevolution，hadsomewhatrecoveredhispositiononthereturnoftheBourbons，asgovernorofaroyaldomain，withsalaryandperquisites；butthisuncertainfortunetheoldprincespent，asitcame，inkeepingupthetraditionsofagreatseigneurbeforetherevolution；sothatwhenthelawofindemnitywaspassed，thesumshereceivedwereallswallowedupintheluxuryhedisplayedinhisvasthotel。
TheoldprincediedsomelittletimebeforetherevolutionofJulyagedeighty-seven。Hehadruinedhiswife，andhadlongbeenonbadtermswiththeDucdeNavarreins，whohadmarriedhisdaughterforafirstwife，andtowhomheveryreluctantlyrenderedhisaccounts。TheDucdeMaufrigneuse，earlyinlife，hadhadrelationswiththeDuchessed’Uxelles。Abouttheyear1814，whenMonsieurdeMaufrigneusewasforty-sixyearsofage，theduchess，pityinghispoverty，andseeingthathestoodverywellatcourt，gavehimherdaughterDiane，theninherseventeenthyear，andpossessing，inherownright，somefiftyorsixtythousandfrancsayear，notcountingherfutureexpectations。Mademoiselled’Uxellesthusbecameaduchess，and，ashermotherverywellknew，sheenjoyedtheutmostliberty。Theduke，afterobtainingtheunexpectedhappinessofanheir，lefthiswifeentirelytoherowndevices，andwentofftoamusehimselfinthevariousgarrisonsofFrance，returningoccasionallytoParis，wherehemadedebtswhichhisfatherpaid。Heprofessedthemostentireconjugalindulgence，alwaysgivingtheduchessaweek’swarningofhisreturn；hewasadoredbyhisregiment，belovedbytheDauphin，anadroitcourtier，somewhatofagambler，andtotallydevoidofaffectation。Havingsucceededtohisfather’sofficeasgovernorofoneoftheroyaldomains，hemanagedtopleasethetwokings，LouisXVIII。andCharlesX。，whichproveshemadethemostofhisnonentity；
andeventheliberalslikedhim；buthisconductandlifewerecoveredwiththefinestvarnish；language，noblemanners，anddeportmentwerebroughtbyhimtoastateofperfection。But，astheoldprincesaid，itwasimpossibleforhimtocontinuethetraditionsoftheCadignans，whowereallwellknowntohaveruinedtheirwives，fortheduchesswasrunningthroughherpropertyonherownaccount。
TheseparticularsweresowellunderstoodinthecourtcirclesandinthefaubourgSaint-Germain，thatduringthelastfiveyearsoftheRestorationtheywereconsideredancienthistory，andanyonewhomentionedthemwouldhavebeenlaughedat。Womenneverspokeofthecharmingdukewithoutpraisinghim；hewasexcellent，theysaid，tohiswife；couldamanbebetter？Hehadlefthertheentiredisposalofherownproperty，andhadalwaysdefendedheroneveryoccasion。Itistruethat，whetherfrompride，kindliness，orchivalry，MonsieurdeMaufrigneusehadsavedtheduchessundervariouscircumstanceswhichmighthaveruinedotherwomen，inspiteofDiane’ssurroundings，andtheinfluenceofhermotherandthatoftheDucdeNavarreins，herfather-in-law，andherhusband’saunt。
Forseveralensuingdaystheprincessrevealedherselftod’Arthezasremarkableforherknowledgeofliterature。Shediscussedwithperfectfearlessnessthemostdifficultquestions，thankstoherdailyandnightlyreading，pursuedwithanintrepidityworthyofthehighestpraise。D’Arthez，amazed，andincapableofsuspectingthatDianed’Uxellesmerelyrepeatedatnightthatwhichshereadinthemorning（assomewritersdo），regardedherasamostsuperiorwoman。Theseconversations，however，ledawayfromDiane’sobject，andshetriedtogetbacktotheregionofconfidencesfromwhichd’Arthezhadprudentlyretiredafterhercoquettishrebuff；butitwasnotaseasyassheexpectedtobringbackamanofhisnaturewhohadoncebeenstartledaway。
However，afteramonthofliterarycampaigningandthefinestplatonicdiscourses，d’Arthezgrewbolder，andarrivedeverydayatthreeo’clock。Heretiredatsix，andreturnedatnine，toremainuntilmidnight，oroneinthemorning，withtheregularityofanardentandimpatientlover。Theprincesswasalwaysdressedwithmoreorlessstudiedeleganceatthehourwhend’Arthezpresentedhimself。Thismutualfidelity，thecaretheyeachtookoftheirappearance，infact，allaboutthemexpressedsentimentsthatneitherdaredavow，fortheprincessdiscernedveryplainlythatthegreatchildwithwhomshehadtodoshrankfromthecombatasmuchasshedesiredit。Neverthelessd’Arthezputintohismutedeclarationsarespectfulawewhichwasinfinitelypleasingtoher。Bothfelt，everyday，allthemoreunitedbecausenothingacknowledgedordefinitecheckedthecourseoftheirideas，asoccursbetweenloverswhenthereareformaldemandsononeside，andsincereorcoquettishrefusalsontheother。
Likeallmenyoungerthantheiractualage，d’Arthezwasapreytothoseagitatingirresolutionswhicharecausedbytheforceofdesiresandtheterrorofdispleasing，——asituationwhichayoungwomandoesnotcomprehendwhenshesharesit，butwhichtheprincesshadtoooftendeliberatelyproducednottoenjoyitspleasures。Infact，Dianeenjoyedthesedelightfuljuvenilitiesallthemorekeenlybecausesheknewthatshecouldputanendtothematanymoment。Shewaslikeagreatartistdelightinginthevague，undecidedlinesofhissketch，knowingwellthatinamomentofinspirationhecancompletethemasterpiecestillwaitingtocometobirth。Manyatime，seeingd’Arthezonthepointofadvancing，sheenjoyedstoppinghimshort，withanimposingairandmanner。Shedrovebackthehiddenstormsofthatstillyoungheart，raisedthemagain，andstilledthemwithalook，holdingoutherhandtobekissed，orsayingsometriflinginsignificantwordsinatendervoice。
Thesemanoeuvres，plannedincoldblood，butenchantinglyexecuted，carvedherimagedeeperanddeeperonthesoulofthatgreatwriterandthinkerwhomsherevelledinmakingchildlike，confiding，simple，andalmostsillybesideher。Andyetshehadmomentsofrepulsionagainstherownact，momentsinwhichshecouldnothelpadmiringthegrandeurofsuchsimplicity。Thisgameofchoicestcoquetryattachedher，insensibly，toherslave。Atlast，however，DianegrewimpatientwithanEpictetusoflove；andwhenshethoughtshehadtrainedhimtotheutmostcredulity，shesettoworktotieathickerbandagestilloverhiseyes。
CHAPTERIV
THECONFESSIONOFAPRETTYWOMAN
OneeveningDanielfoundtheprincessthoughtful，oneelbowrestingonalittletable，herbeautifulblondheadbathedinlightfromthelamp。Shewastoyingwithaletterwhichlayonthetable-cloth。Whend’Arthezhadseenthepaperdistinctly，shefoldeditup，andstuckitinherbelt。
"Whatisthematter？"askedd’Arthez；"youseemdistressed。"
"IhavereceivedaletterfromMonsieurdeCadignan，"shereplied。
"Howevergreatthewrongshehasdoneme，Icannothelpthinkingofhisexile——withoutfamily，withoutson——fromhisnativeland。"
Thesewords，saidinasoulfulvoice，betrayedangelicsensibility。
D’Arthezwasdeeplymoved。Thecuriosityoftheloverbecame，sotospeak，apsychologicalandliterarycuriosity。Hewantedtoknowtheheightthatwomanhadattained，andwhatweretheinjuriesshethusforgave；helongedtoknowhowthesewomenoftheworld，taxedwithfrivolity，cold-heartedness，andegotism，couldbesuchangels。
Rememberinghowtheprincesshadalreadyrepulsedhimwhenhefirsttriedtoreadthatcelestialheart，hisvoice，andhehimself，trembledashetookthetransparent，slenderhandofthebeautifulDianewithitscurvingfinger-tips，andsaid，——
"Arewenowsuchfriendsthatyouwilltellmewhatyouhavesuffered？"
"Yes，"shesaid，breathingforththesyllablelikethemostmellifluousnotethatTulou’sflutehadeversighed。
Thenshefellintoarevery，andhereyeswereveiled。Danielremainedinastateofanxiousexpectation，impressedwiththesolemnityoftheoccasion。Hispoeticimaginationmadehimsee，asitwere，cloudsslowlydispersinganddisclosingtohimthesanctuarywherethewoundedlambwaskneelingatthedivinefeet。
"Well？"hesaid，inasoft，stillvoice。
Dianelookedatthetenderpetitioner；thensheloweredhereyesslowly，droppingtheirlidswithamovementofnoblemodesty。Nonebutamonsterwouldhavebeencapableofimagininghypocrisyinthegracefulundulationoftheneckwithwhichtheprincessagainliftedhercharminghead，tolookoncemoreintotheeagereyesofthatgreatman。
"CanI？oughtI？"shemurmured，withagestureofhesitation，gazingatd’Arthezwithasublimeexpressionofdreamytenderness。"Menhavesolittlefaithinthingsofthiskind；theythinkthemselvessolittleboundtobediscreet！"
"Ah！ifyoudistrustme，whyamIhere？"criedd’Arthez。
"Oh，friend！"shesaid，givingtotheexclamationthegraceofaninvoluntaryavowal，"whenawomanattachesherselfforlife，thinkyoushecalculates？Itisnotquestionofrefusal（howcouldIrefuseyouanything？），buttheideaofwhatyoumaythinkofmeifIspeak。I
wouldwillinglyconfidetoyouthestrangepositioninwhichIamatmyage；butwhatwouldyouthinkofawomanwhocouldrevealthesecretwoundsofhermarriedlife？Turennekepthiswordtorobbers；
doInotowetomytorturersthehonorofaTurenne？"
"Haveyoupassedyourwordtosaynothing？"
"MonsieurdeCadignandidnotthinkitnecessarytobindmetosecrecy——Youareaskingmorethanmysoul！Tyrant！youwantmetoburymyhonoritselfinyourbreast，"shesaid，castingupond’Arthezalook，bywhichshegavemorevaluetohercomingconfidencethantoherpersonalself。
"Youmustthinkmeaveryordinaryman，ifyoufearanyevil，nomatterwhat，fromme，"hesaid，withill-concealedbitterness。
"Forgiveme，friend，"shereplied，takinghishandinherscaressingly，andlettingherfingerswandergentlyoverit。"Iknowyourworth。Youhaverelatedtomeyourwholelife；itisnoble，itisbeautiful，itissublime，andworthyofyourname；perhaps，inreturn，Ioweyoumine。ButIfeartolowermyselfinyoureyesbyrelatingsecretswhicharenotwhollymine。Howcanyoubelieve——you，amanofsolitudeandpoesy——thehorrorsofsociallife？Ah！youlittlethinkwhenyouinventyourdramasthattheyarefarsurpassedbythosethatareplayedinfamiliesapparentlyunited。Youarewhollyignorantofcertaingildedsorrows。"
"Iknowall！"hecried。
"No，youknownothing。"
D’ArthezfeltlikeamanlostontheAlpsofadarknight，whosees，atthefirstgleamofdawn，aprecipiceathisfeet。Helookedattheprincesswithabewilderedair，andfeltacoldchillrunningdownhisback。Dianethoughtforamomentthathermanofgeniuswasaweakling，butaflashfromhiseyesreassuredher。
"Youhavebecometomealmostmyjudge，"shesaid，withadesperateair。"Imustspeaknow，invirtueoftherightthatallcalumniatedbeingshavetoshowtheirinnocence。Ihavebeen，Iamstill（ifapoorrecluseforcedbytheworldtorenouncetheworldisstillremembered）accusedofsuchlightconduct，andsomanyevilthings，thatitmaybeallowedmetofindinonestrongheartahavenfromwhichIcannotbedriven。HithertoIhavealwaysconsideredself-
justificationaninsulttoinnocence；andthatiswhyIhavedisdainedtodefendmyself。Besides，towhomcouldIappeal？SuchcruelthingscanbeconfidedtononebutGodortoonewhoseemstousverynearHim——apriest，oranotherself。Well！Idoknowthis，ifmysecretsarenotassafethere，"shesaid，layingherhandond’Arthez’sheart，"astheyarehere"（pressingtheupperendofherbuskbeneathherfingers），"thenyouarenotthegrandd’ArthezIthinkyou——Ishallhavebeendeceived。"
Atearmoistenedd’Arthez’seyes，andDianedrankitinwithasidelook，which，however，gavenomotioneithertothepupilsorthelidsofhereyes。Itwasquickandneat，liketheactionofacatpouncingonamouse。
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