IV
　　ANORMALEVENING
　　/Mouche/isagameplayedwithfivecardsdealttoeachplayer，andoneturnedover。Theturned-overcardistrumps。Ateachroundtheplayerisatlibertytorunhischancesortoabstainfromplayinghiscard。Ifheabstainshelosesnothingbuthisownstake，foraslongastherearenoforfeitsinthebasketeachplayerputsinatriflingsum。Ifheplaysandwinsatrickheispaid/prorata/tothestake；
　　thatis，iftherearefivesousinthebasket，hewinsonesou。Theplayerwhofailstowinatrickismade/mouche/；hehastopaythewholestake，whichswellsthebasketforthenextgame。Thosewhodeclinetoplaythrowdowntheircardsduringthegame；buttheirplayisheldtobenull。Theplayerscanexchangetheircardswiththeremainderofthepack，asinecarte，butonlybyorderofsequence，sothatthefirstandsecondplayersmay，andsometimesdo，absorbtheremainderofthepackbetweenthem。Theturned-overtrumpcardbelongstothedealer，whoisalwaysthelast；hehastherighttoexchangeitforanycardinhisownhand。Onepowerfulcardisofmoreimportancethanalltherest；itiscalledMistigris。Mistigrisistheknaveofclubs。
　　Thisgame，simpleasitis，isnotlackingininterest。Thecupiditynaturaltomankinddevelopsinit；sodoesdiplomaticwiliness；alsoplayofcountenance。AtthehotelduGuenic，eachoftheplayerstooktwentycounters，representingfivesous；whichmadethesumtotalofthestakeforeachgamefivefarthings，alargeamountintheeyesofthiscompany。Supposingsomeextraordinaryluck，fiftysousmightbewon，——morecapitalthananypersoninGuerandespentinthecourseofanyoneday。ConsequentlyMademoiselledePen-HoelputintothisgametheinnocenceofwhichisonlysurpassedinthenomenclatureoftheAcademybythatofLaBatailleapassioncorrespondingtothatofthehuntersafterbiggame。MademoiselleZephirine，whowentsharesinthegamewiththebaroness，attachednolessimportancetoit。Toputuponefarthingforthechanceofwinningfive，gameaftergame，wastothisconfirmedhoarderamightyfinancialoperation，intowhichsheputasmuchmentalactionasthemosteagerspeculatorattheBourseexpendsduringtheriseandfallofconsols。
　　Byacertaindiplomaticconvention，datingfromSeptember，1825，whenMademoiselledePen-Hoellostthirty-fivesous，thegamewastoceaseassoonasapersonlosingtensousshouldexpressthewishtoretire。
　　Politenessdidnotallowtheresttogivetheretiringplayerthepainofseeingthegamegoonwithouthim。But，asallpassionshavetheirJesuitism，thechevalierandthebaron，thosewilypoliticians，hadfoundameansofeludingthischarter。Whenalltheplayersbutonewereanxioustocontinueanexcitinggame，thedaringsailor，duHalga，oneofthoserichfellowsprodigalofcoststheydonotpay，wouldoffertencounterstoMademoiselleZephirineorMademoiselleJacqueline，wheneitherofthem，orbothofthem，hadlosttheirfivesous，onconditionofreimbursementincasetheywon。Anoldbachelorcouldallowhimselfsuchgallantriestothesex。Thebaronalsoofferedtencounterstotheoldmaids，butunderthehonestpretextofcontinuingthegame。Themiserlymaidensaccepted，not，however，withoutsomepressing，asistheuseandwontofmaidens。But，beforegivingwaytothisvastprodigalitythebaronandthechevalierwererequiredtohavewon；otherwisetheofferwouldhavebeentakenasaninsult。
　　/Mouche/becameabrilliantaffairwhenaDemoiselledeKergarouetwasintransitwithheraunt。Weusethesinglename，fortheKergarouetshadneverbeenabletoinduceanyonetocallthemKergarouet-Pen-
　　Hoel，——noteventheirservants，althoughthelatterhadstrictorderssotodo。Atthesetimestheauntheldouttothenieceasasignaltreatthe/mouche/attheduGuenics。Thegirlwasorderedtolookamiable，aneasythingtodointhepresenceofthebeautifulCalyste，whomthefourKergarouetyoungladiesalladored。Broughtupinthemidstofmoderncivilization，theseyoungpersonscaredlittleforfivesousagame，andonsuchoccasionsthestakeswenthigher。Thosewereeveningsofgreatemotiontotheoldblindsister。Thebaronesswouldgivehersundryhintsbypressingherfootacertainnumberoftimes，accordingtothesizeofthestakeitwassafetoplay。Toplayornottoplay，ifthebasketwerefull，involvedaninwardstruggle，wherecupidityfoughtwithfear。IfCharlottedeKergarouet，whowasusuallycalledgiddy，wasluckyinherboldthrows，herauntontheirreturnhomeifshehadnotwonherself，wouldbecoldanddisapproving，andlecturethegirl:shehadtoomuchdecisioninhercharacter；ayoungpersonshouldneverassertherselfinpresenceofherbetters；hermanneroftakingthebasketandbeginningtoplaywasreallyinsolent；theproperbehaviorofayounggirldemandedmuchmorereserveandgreatermodesty；etc。
　　Itcaneasilybeimaginedthatthesegames，carriedonnightlyfortwentyyears，wereinterruptednowandthenbynarrativesofeventsinthetown，orbydiscussionsonpublicevents。Sometimestheplayerswouldsitforhalfanhour，theircardsheldfan-shapeontheirstomachs，engagedintalking。If，asaresultoftheseinattentions，acounterwasmissingfromthebasket，everyoneeagerlydeclaredthatheorshehadputintheirpropernumber。Usuallythechevaliermadeupthedeficiency，beingaccusedbytherestofthinkingsomuchofhisbuzzingears，hischillychest，andothersymptomsofinvalidismthathemusthaveforgottenhisstake。ButnosoonerdidhesupplythemissingcounterthanZephirineandJacquelinewereseizedwithremorse；theyimaginedthat，possibly，theythemselveshadforgottentheirstake；theybelieved——theydoubted——but，afterall，thechevalierwasrichenoughtobearsuchatriflingmisfortune。Thesedignifiedandnoblepersonageshadthedelightfulpettinessofsuspectingeachother。MademoiselledePen-Hoelwouldalmostinvariablyaccusetherectorofcheatingwhenhewonthebasket。”Itissingular，”hewouldreply，”thatInevercheatexceptwhenI
　　winthetrick。”
　　Oftenthebaronwouldforgetwherehewaswhenthetalkfellonthemisfortunesoftheroyalhouse。Sometimestheeveningendedinamannerthatwasquiteunexpectedtotheplayers，whoallcountedonacertaingain。Afteracertainnumberofgamesandwhenthehourgrewlate，theseexcellentpeoplewouldbeforcedtoseparatewithouteitherlossorgain，butnotwithoutemotion。Onthesesadeveningscomplaintsweremadeof/mouche/itself；itwasdull，itwaslong；theplayersaccusedtheir/mouche/asNegroesstonethemooninthewaterwhentheweatherisbad。Ononeoccasion，afteranarrivaloftheVicomteandVicomtessedeKergarouet，therewastalkofwhistandbostonbeinggamesofmoreinterestthan/mouche/。Thebaroness，whowasboredby/mouche/，encouragedtheinnovation，andallthecompany——butnotwithoutreluctance——adoptedit。Butitprovedimpossibletomakethemreallyunderstandthenewgames，which，onthedepartureoftheKergarouets，werevotedhead-splitters，algebraicproblems，andintolerablydifficulttoplay。Allpreferredtheir/mouche/，theirdear，agreeable/mouche/。/Mouche/accordinglytriumphedovermoderngames，asallancientthingshaveevertriumphedinBrittanyovernovelties。
　　WhiletherectorwasdealingthecardsthebaronesswasaskingtheChevalierduHalgathesamequestionswhichshehadaskedhimtheeveningbeforeabouthishealth。Thechevaliermadeitapointofhonortohavenewailments。Inquiriesmightbealike，butthenauticalherohadsingularadvantagesinthewayofreplies。To-dayitchancedthathisribstroubledhim。Buthere’saremarkablething！neverdidtheworthychevaliercomplainofhiswounds。Theillsthatwerereallythematterwithhimheexpected，heknewthemandheborethem；buthisfanciedailments，hisheadaches，thegnawingsinhisstomach，thebuzzinginhisears，andathousandotherfadsandsymptomsmadehimhorriblyuneasy；heposedasincurable，——andnotwithoutreason，fordoctorsuptothepresenttimehavefoundnoremedyfordiseasesthatdon’texist。”Yesterdaythetroublewas，Ibelieve，inyourlegs，”saidtherector。”Itmovesabout，”repliedthechevalier。”Legstoribs？”askedMademoiselleZephirine。”Withoutstoppingontheway？”saidMademoiselledePen-Hoel，smiling。
　　Thechevalierbowedgravely，makinganegativegesturewhichwasnotalittledroll，andprovedtoanobserverthatinhisyouththesailorhadbeenwittyandlovingandbeloved。PerhapshisfossillifeatGuerandehidmanymemories。Whenhestood，solemnlyplantedonhistwoheron-legsinthesunshineonthemall，gazingattheseaorwatchingthegambolsofhislittledog，perhapshewaslivingagaininsometerrestrialparadiseofapastthatwasrichinrecollections。”SotheoldDucdeLenoncourtisdead，”saidthebaron，rememberingtheparagraphofthe”Quotidienne，”wherehiswifehadstoppedreading。”Well，thefirstgentlemanoftheBedchamberfollowedhismastersoon。Ishallgonext。””Mydear，mydear！”saidhiswife，gentlytappingthebonycallousedhandofherhusband。”Lethimsaywhathelikes，sister，”saidZephirine；”aslongasIamabovegroundhecan’tbeunderit；Iamtheelder。”
　　Agaysmileplayedontheoldwoman’slips。Wheneverthebaronmadereflectionsofthatkind，theplayersandthevisitorspresentlookedateachotherwithemotion，distressedbythesadnessofthekingofGuerande；andaftertheyhadleftthehousetheywouldsay，astheywalkedhome:”MonsieurduGuenicwassadto-night。Didyounoticehowheslept？”Andthenextdaythewholetownwouldtalkofthematter。”TheBaronduGuenicfails，”wasaphrasethatopenedtheconversationinmanyhouses。”HowisThisbe？”askedMademoiselledePen-Hoelofthechevalier，assoonasthecardsweredealt。”Thepoorlittlethingislikehermaster，”repliedthechevalier；”shehassomenervoustrouble，shegoesonthreelegsconstantly。See，likethis。”
　　Inraisingandcrookinghisarmtoimitatethedog，thechevalierexposedhishandtohiscunningneighbor，whowantedtoseeifhehadMistigrisorthetrump，——afirstwiletowhichhesuccumbed。”Oh！”saidthebaroness，”theendofMonsieurlecure’snoseisturningwhite；hehasMistigris。”
　　ThepleasureofhavingMistigriswassogreattotherector——asitwastotheotherplayers——thatthepoorpriestcouldnotconcealit。Inallhumanfacesthereisaspotwherethesecretemotionsoftheheartbetraythemselves；andthesecompanions，accustomedforyearstoobserveeachother，hadendedbyfindingoutthatspotontherector’sface:whenhehadMistigristhetipofhisnosegrewpale。”Youhadcompanyto-day，”saidthechevaliertoMademoiselledePen-
　　Hoel。”Yes，acousinofmybrother-in-law。HesurprisedmebyannouncingthemarriageoftheComtessedeKergarouet，aDemoiselledeFontaine。””Thedaughterof’Grand-Jacques，’”criedthechevalier，whohadlivedwiththeadmiralduringhisstayinParis。”Thecountessishisheir；shehasmarriedanoldambassador。Myvisitortoldmethestrangestthingsaboutourneighbor，MademoiselledesTouches，——sostrangethatIcan’tbelievethem。Iftheyweretrue，Calystewouldneverbesoconstantlywithher；hehastoomuchgoodsensenottoperceivesuchmonstrosities——””Monstrosities？”saidthebaron，wakedupbytheword。
　　Thebaronessandtherectorexchangedlooks。Thecardsweredealt；
　　MademoiselledePen-HoelhadMistigris！Impossibletocontinuetheconversation！Butshewasgladtohideherjoyundertheexcitementcausedbyherlastword。”Yourplay，monsieurlebaron，”shesaid，withanairofimportance。”Mynephewisnotoneofthoseyouthswholikemonstrosities，”
　　remarkedZephirine，takingoutherknitting-needleandscratchingherhead。”Mistigris！”criedMademoiselledePen-Hoel，makingnoreplytoherfriend。
　　Therector，whoappearedtobewell-informedinthematterofCalysteandMademoiselledesTouches，didnotenterthelists。”Whatdoesshedothatissoextraordinary，MademoiselledesTouches？”
　　askedthebaron。”Shesmokes，”repliedMademoiselledePen-Hoel。”That’sverywholesome，”saidthechevalier。”Aboutherproperty？”askedthebaron。”Herproperty？”continuedtheoldmaid。”Oh，sheisrunningthroughit。””Thegameismine！”saidthebaroness。”See，Ihaveking，queen，knaveoftrumps，Mistigris，andaking。Wewinthebasket，sister。”
　　Thisvictory，gainedatonestroke，withoutplayingacard，horrifiedMademoiselledePen-Hoel，whoceasedtoconcernherselfaboutCalysteandMademoiselledesTouches。Bynineo’clocknooneremainedinthesalonbutthebaronessandtherector。Thefouroldpeoplehadgonetotheirbeds。Thechevalier，accordingtohisusualcustom，accompaniedMademoiselledePen-HoeltoherhouseinthePlacedeGuerande，makingremarksastheywentalongontheclevernessofthelastplay，onthejoywithwhichMademoiselleZephirineengulfedhergainsinthosecapaciouspocketsofhers，——fortheoldblindwomannolongerrepresseduponherfacethevisiblesignsofherfeelings。MadameduGuenic’sevidentpreoccupationwasthechieftopicofconversation，however。ThechevalierhadremarkedtheabstractionofthebeautifulIrishwoman。WhentheyreachedMademoiselledePen-Hoel’sdoor-step，andherpagehadgonein，theoldladyanswered，confidentially，theremarksofthechevalieronthestrangelyabstractedairofthebaroness:——”Iknowthecause。Calysteislostunlesswemarryhimpromptly。HelovesMademoiselledesTouches，anactress！””Inthatcase，sendforCharlotte。””Ihavesent；mysisterwillreceivemyletterto-morrow，”repliedMademoiselledePen-Hoel，bowingtothechevalier。
　　ImaginefromthissketchofanormaleveningthehubbubexcitedinGuerandehomesbythearrival，thestay，thedeparture，oreventhemerepassagethroughthetown，ofastranger。
　　Whennosoundsechoedfromthebaron’schambernorfromthatofhissister，thebaronesslookedattherector，whowasplayingpensivelywiththecounters。”IseethatyoubegintosharemyanxietyaboutCalyste，”shesaidtohim。”DidyounoticeMademoiselledePen-Hoel’sdispleasedlooksto-night？”
　　askedtherector。”Yes，”repliedthebaroness。”Shehas，asIknow，thebestintentionsaboutourdearCalyste；sheloveshimasthoughhewereherson，hisconductinVendeebesidehisfather，thepraisesthatMADAMEbestoweduponhisdevotion，haveonlyincreasedheraffectionforhim。SheintendstoexecuteadeedofgiftbywhichshegivesherwholepropertyatherdeathtowhicheverofherniecesCalystemarries。IknowthatyouhaveanotherandmuchrichermarriageinIrelandforyourdearCalyste，butitiswelltohavetwostringstoyourbow。IncaseyourfamilywillnottakechargeofCalyste’sestablishment，MademoiselledePen-Hoel’sfortuneisnottobedespised。Youcanalwaysfindamatchofseventhousandfrancsayearforthedearboy，butitisnotoftenthatyoucouldcomeacrossthesavingsoffortyyearsandlandedpropertyaswellmanaged，builtup，andkeptinrepairasthatofMademoiselledePen-Hoel。Thatungodlywoman，MademoiselledesTouches，hascomeheretoruinmanyexcellentthings。Herlifeisnowknown。””Andwhatisit？”askedthemother。”Oh！thatofatrollop，”repliedtherector，——”awomanofquestionablemorals，awriterforthestage；frequentingtheatresandactors；
　　squanderingherfortuneamongpamphleteers，painters，musicians，adevilishsociety，inshort。Shewritesbooksherself，andhastakenafalsenamebywhichsheisbetterknown，theytellme，thanbyherown。Sheseemstobeasortofcircuswomanwhoneverentersachurchexcepttolookatthepictures。ShehasspentquiteafortuneindecoratingLesTouchesinamostimproperfashion，makingitaMohammedanparadisewherethehourisarenotwomen。Thereismorewinedrunkthere，theysay，duringthefewweeksofherstaythanthewholeyearroundinGuerande。TheDemoisellesBougniollettheirlodgingslastyeartomenwithbeards，whoweresuspectedofbeingBlues；theysangwickedsongswhichmadethosevirtuouswomenblushandweep，andspenttheirtimemostlyatLesTouches。AndthisisthewomanourdearCalysteadores！Ifthatcreaturewantedto-nightoneoftheinfamousbooksinwhichtheatheistsofthepresentdayscoffatholythings，CalystewouldsaddlehishorsehimselfandgalloptoNantesforit。I
　　amnotsurethathewoulddoasmuchfortheChurch。Moreover，thisBretonwomanisnotaroyalist！IfCalystewereagaincalledupontostrikeablowforthecause，andMademoiselledesTouches——theSieurCamilleMaupin，thatisherothername，asIhavejustremembered——ifshewantedtokeephimwithherthechevalierwouldlethisoldfathergotothefieldwithouthim。””Oh，no！”saidthebaroness。”Ishouldnotliketoputhimtotheproof；youwouldsuffertoomuch，”repliedtherector。”AllGuerandeisturnedupsidedownaboutCalyste’spassionforthisamphibiouscreature，whoisneithermannorwoman，whosmokeslikeanhussar，writeslikeajournalist，andhasatthisverymomentinherhousethemostvenomousofallwriters，——sothepostmastersays，andhe’sa/juste-milieu/manwhoreadsthepapers。TheyareeventalkingaboutheratNantes。ThismorningtheKergarouetcousinwhowantstomarryCharlottetoamanwithsixtythousandfrancsayear，wenttoseeMademoiselledePen-Hoel，andfilledhermindwithtalesaboutMademoiselledesToucheswhichlastedsevenhours。Itisnowstrikingaquartertoten，andCalysteisnothome；heisatLesTouches，——perhapshewon’tcomeinallnight。”
　　Thebaronesslistenedtotherector，whowassubstitutingmonologuefordialogueunconsciouslyashelookedatthislambofhisfold，onwhosefacecouldbereadheranxiety。Shecoloredandtrembled。Whentheworthymansawthetearsinthebeautifuleyesofthemother，hewasmovedtocompassion。”IwillseeMademoiselledePen-Hoelto-morrow，”hesaid。”Don’tbetoouneasy。Theharmmaynotbeasgreatastheysayitis。Iwillfindoutthetruth。MademoiselleJacquelinehasconfidenceinme。
　　Besides，Calysteisourchild，ourpupil，——hewillneverletthedevilinveiglehim；neitherwillhetroublethepeaceofhisfamilyordestroytheplanswehavemadeforhisfuture。Therefore，don’tweep；
　　allisnotlost，madame；onefaultisnotvice。””Youareonlyinformingmeofdetails，”saidthebaroness。”WasnotI
　　thefirsttonoticethechangeinmyCalyste？Amotherkeenlyfeelstheshockoffindingherselfsecondintheheartofherson。Shecannotbedeceived。Thiscrisisinaman’slifeisoneofthetrialsofmotherhood。Ihavepreparedmyselfforit，butIdidnotthinkitwouldcomesosoon。Ihoped，atleast，thatCalystewouldtakeintohisheartsomenobleandbeautifulbeing，——notastage-player，amasquerader，atheatrewoman，anauthorwhosebusinessitistofeignsentiments，acreaturewhowilldeceivehimandmakehimunhappy！Shehashadadventures——””Withseveralmen，”saidtherector。”AndyetthisimpiouscreaturewasborninBrittany！Shedishonorsherland。IshallpreachasermonuponhernextSunday。””Don’tdothat！”criedthebaroness。”Thepeasantsandthe/paludiers/
　　wouldbecapableofrushingtoLesTouches。Calysteisworthyofhisname；heisBreton；somedreadfulthingmighthappentohim，forhewouldsurelydefendherashewouldtheBlessedVirgin。””Itisnowteno’clock；Imustbidyougood-night，”saidtheabbe，lightingthewickofhislantern，theglassofwhichwasclearandthemetalshining，whichtestifiedtothecarehishousekeeperbestowedonthehouseholdproperty。”Whocouldeverhavetoldme，madame，”headded，”thatayoungmanbroughtupbyyou，trainedbymetoChristianideas，aferventCatholic，achildwhohaslivedasalambwithoutspot，wouldplungeintosuchmire？””Butisitcertain？”saidthemother。”HowcouldanywomanhelplovingCalyste？””WhatotherproofisneededthanherstayingonatLesTouches。Inallthetwenty-fouryearssinceshecameofageshehasneverstayedtheresolongasnow；hervisitstotheseparts，happilyforus，werefewandshort。””Awomanoverfortyyearsold！”exclaimedthebaroness。”IhaveheardsayinIrelandthatawomanofthisdescriptionisthemostdangerousmistressayoungmancanhave。””Astothat，Ihavenoknowledge，”repliedtherector，”andIshalldieinmyignorance。””AndI，too，alas！”saidthebaroness，naively。”IwishnowthatIhadlovedwithlove，soastounderstandandcounselandcomfortCalyste。”
　　Therectordidnotcrossthecleanlittlecourt-yardalone；thebaronessaccompaniedhimtothegate，hopingtohearCalyste’sstepcomingthroughthetown。Butsheheardnothingexcepttheheavytreadoftherector’scautiousfeet，whichgrewfainterinthedistance，andfinallyceasedwhentheclosingofthedooroftheparsonageechoedbehindhim。
　　V
　　CALYSTE
　　Thepoormotherreturnedtothesalondeeplydistressedatfindingthatthewholetownwasawareofwhatshehadthoughtwasknowntoheralone。Shesatdown，trimmedthewickofthelampbycuttingitwithapairofoldscissors，tookuponcemoretheworsted-workshewasdoing，andawaitedCalyste。ThebaronessfondlyhopedtoinducehersonbythismeanstocomehomeearlierandspendlesstimewithMademoiselledesTouches。Suchcalculationsofmaternaljealousywerewasted。Dayafterday，Calyste’svisitstoLesTouchesbecamemorefrequent，andeverynighthecameinlater。Thenightbeforethedayofwhichwespeakitwasmidnightwhenhereturned。
　　Thebaroness，lostinmaternalmeditation，wassettingherstitcheswiththerapidityofoneabsorbedinthoughtwhileengagedinmanuallabor。Whoeverhadseenherbendingtothelightofthelampbeneaththequadruplycentennialhangingsofthatancientroomwouldhaveadmiredthesublimityofthepicture。Fanny’sskinwassotransparentthatitwaspossibletoreadthethoughtsthatcrossedherbrowbeneathit。Piquedwithacuriositythatoftencomestoapurewoman，sheaskedherselfwhatdevilishsecretsthesedaughtersofBaalpossessedtosocharmmenastomakethemforgetfulofmother，family，country，andself-interests。Sometimesshelongedtomeetthiswomanandjudgehersoberlyforherself。Hermindmeasuredtoitsfullextenttheevilswhichtheinnovativespiritoftheage——describedtoherassodangerousforyoungsoulsbytherector——wouldhaveuponheronlychild，untilthensoguileless；aspureasaninnocentgirl，andbeautifulwiththesamefreshbeauty。
　　Calyste，thatsplendidoffspringoftheoldestBretonraceandthenoblestIrishblood，hadbeennurturedbyhismotherwiththeutmostcare。UntilthemomentwhenthebaronessmadeoverthetrainingofhimtotherectorofGuerande，shewascertainthatnoimpureword，noevilthoughthadsulliedtheearsorenteredthemindofherpreciousson。Afternursinghimatherbosom，givinghimherownlifetwice，asitwere，afterguidinghisfootstepsasalittlechild，themotherhadputhimwithallhisvirgininnocenceintothehandsofthepastor，who，outoftruereverenceforthefamily，hadpromisedtogivehimathoroughandChristianeducation。CalystethenceforthreceivedtheinstructionwhichtheabbehimselfhadreceivedattheSeminary。ThebaronesstaughthimEnglish，andateacherofmathematicswasfound，notwithoutdifficulty，amongtheemployesatSaint-Nazaire。Calystewasthereforenecessarilyignorantofmodernliterature，andtheadvanceandpresentprogressofthesciences。Hiseducationhadbeenlimitedtogeographyandthecircumspecthistoryofayoungladies’
　　boarding-school，theLatinandGreekofseminaries，theliteratureofthedeadlanguages，andtoaveryrestrictedchoiceofFrenchwriters。
　　When，atsixteen，hebeganwhattheAbbeGrimontcalledhisphilosophy，hewasneithermorenorlessthanwhathewaswhenFannyplacedhimintheabbe’shands。TheChurchhadprovedasmaternalasthemother。Withoutbeingover-piousorridiculous，theidolizedyoungladwasaferventCatholic。
　　Forthisson，sonoble，soinnocent，thebaronessdesiredtoprovideahappylifeinobscurity。Sheexpectedtoinheritsomeproperty，twoorthreethousandpoundssterling，fromanaunt。Thissum，joinedtothesmallpresentfortuneoftheGuenics，mightenablehertofindawifeforCalyste，whowouldbringhimtwelveorevenfifteenthousandfrancsayear。CharlottedeKergarouet，withheraunt’sfortune，arichIrishgirl，oranyothergoodheiresswouldhavesuitedthebaroness，whoseemedindifferentastochoice。Shewasignorantoflove，havingneverknownit，and，likealltheotherpersonsgroupedabouther，shesawnothinginmarriagebutameansoffortune。PassionwasanunknownthingtotheseCatholicsouls，theseoldpeopleexclusivelyconcernedaboutsalvation，God，theking，andtheirproperty。Nooneshouldbesurprised，therefore，attheforebodingthoughtswhichaccompaniedthewoundedfeelingsofthemother，wholivedasmuchforthefutureinterestsofhersonasbyherloveforhim。Iftheyounghouseholdwouldonlylistentowisdom，shethought，thecominggenerationoftheduGuenics，byenduringprivations，andsaving，aspeopledosaveintheprovinces，wouldbeabletobuybacktheirestatesandrecover，intheend，thelustreofwealth。Thebaronessprayedforalongagethatshemightseethedawnofthisprosperousera。MademoiselleduGuenichadunderstoodandfullyadoptedthishopewhichMademoiselledesTouchesnowthreatenedtooverthrow。
　　Thebaronessheardmidnightstrike，withtears；hermindconceivedofmanyhorrorsduringthenexthour，fortheclockstruckone，andCalystewasstillnotathome。”Willhestaythere？”shethought。”Itwouldbethefirsttime。Poorchild！”
　　AtthatmomentCalyste’sstepresoundedinthelane。Thepoormother，inwhoseheartrejoicingdroveoutanxiety，flewfromthehousetothegateandopeneditforherboy。”Oh！”criedCalyste，inagrievedvoice，”mydarlingmother，whydidyousitupforme？Ihaveapass-keyandthetinder-box。””Youknowverywell，mychild，thatIcannotsleepwhenyouareout，”
　　shesaid，kissinghim。
　　Whenthebaronessreachedthesalon，shelookedathersontodiscover，ifpossible，fromtheexpressionofhisfacetheeventsoftheevening。Buthecausedher，asusual，anemotionthatfrequencyneverweakened，——anemotionwhichalllovingmothersfeelatsightofahumanmasterpiecemadebythem；thissentimentbluestheirsightandsupersedesallothersforthemoment。
　　Exceptfortheblackeyes，fullofenergyandtheheatofthesun，whichhederivedfromhisfather，Calysteinotherrespectsresembledhismother；hehadherbeautifulgoldenhair，herlovablemouth，thesamecurvingfingers，thesamesoft，delicate，andpurelywhiteskin。
　　Thoughslightlyresemblingagirldisguisedasaman，hisphysicalstrengthwasHerculean。Hismuscleshadthesupplenessandvigorofsteelsprings，andthesingularityofhisblackeyesandfaircomplexionwasbynomeanswithoutcharm。Hisbeardhadnotyetsprouted；thisdelay，itissaid，isapromiseoflongevity。Thechevalierwasdressedinashortcoatofblackvelvetlikethatofhismother’sgown，trimmedwithsilverbuttons，abluefoulardnecktie，trousersofgrayjean，andabecomingpairofgaiters。Hiswhitebrowborethesignsofgreatfatigue，caused，toanobserver’seye，bytheweightofpainfulthoughts；buthismother，incapableofsupposingthattroublescouldwringhisheart，attributedhisevidentwearinesstopassingexcitement。CalystewasashandsomeasaGreekgod，andhandsomewithoutconceit；inthefirstplace，hehadhismother’sbeautyconstantlybeforehim，andnext，hecaredverylittleforpersonaladvantageswhichhefounduseless。”Thosebeautifulpurecheeks，”thoughthismother，”wheretherichyoungbloodisflowing，belongtoanotherwoman！sheisthemistressofthatinnocentbrow！Ah！passionwillleadtomanyevils；itwilltarnishthelookofthoseeyes，moistastheeyesofaninfant！”
　　ThisbitterthoughtwrungFanny’sheartanddestroyedherpleasure。
　　Itmayseemstrangetothosewhocalculateexpensesthatinafamilyofsixpersonscompelledtoliveonthreethousandfrancsayearthesonshouldhaveacoatandthemotheragownofvelvet；butFannyO’BrienhadauntsandrichrelationsinLondonwhorecalledthemselvestoherremembrancebymanypresents。Severalofhersisters，marriedtogreatwealth，tookenoughinterestinCalystetowishtofindhimanheiress，knowingthathe，likeFannytheirexiledfavorite，wasnobleandhandsome。”YoustayedatLesToucheslongerthanyoudidlastnight，mydearone，”saidthemotheratlast，inanagitatedtone。”Yes，dearmother，”heanswered，offeringnoexplanation。
　　Thecurtnessofthisanswerbroughtcloudstohismother’sbrow，andsheresolvedtopostponetheexplanationtillthemorrow。Whenmothersadmittheanxietieswhichwerenowtorturingthebaroness，theytremblebeforetheirsons；theyfeelinstinctivelytheeffectofthegreatemancipationthatcomeswithlove；theyperceivewhatthatsentimentisabouttotakefromthem；buttheyhave，atthesametime，asenseofjoyinknowingthattheirsonsarehappy；conflictingfeelingsbattleintheirhearts。Thoughtheresultmaybethedevelopmentoftheirsonsintosuperiormen，truemothersdonotlikethisforcedabdication；theywouldratherkeeptheirchildrensmallandstillrequiringprotection。Perhapsthatisthesecretoftheirpredilectionforfeeble，deformed，orweak-mindedoffspring。”Youaretired，dearchild；gotobed，”shesaid，repressinghertears。
　　Amotherwhodoesnotknowallthathersonisdoingthinkstheworst；
　　thatis，ifamotherlovesasmuchandisasmuchbelovedasFanny。
　　Butperhapsallothermotherswouldhavetremblednowasshedid。Thepatientcareoftwentyyearsmightberenderedworthless。Thishumanmasterpieceofvirtuousandnobleandreligiouseducation，Calyste，mightbedestroyed；thehappinessofhislife，solongandcarefullypreparedfor，mightbeforeverruinedbythiswoman。
　　ThenextdayCalysteslepttillmid-day，forhismotherwouldnothavehimwakened。Mariotteservedthespoiledchild’sbreakfastinhisbed。
　　Theinflexibleandsemi-conventualruleswhichregulatedthehoursformealsyieldedtothecapricesofthechevalier。IfitbecamedesirabletoextractfromMademoiselleduGuenicherarrayofkeysinordertoobtainsomenecessaryarticleoffoodoutsideofthemealhours，therewasnoothermeansofdoingitthantomakethepretextofitsservingsomefancyofCalyste。
　　Aboutoneo’clockthebaron，hiswife，andMademoisellewereseatedinthesalon，fortheydinedatthreeo’clock。Thebaronesswasagainreadingthe”Quotidienne”toherhusband，whowasalwaysmoreawakebeforethedinnerhour。Asshefinishedaparagraphsheheardthestepsofhersonontheupperfloor，andshedroppedthepaper，saying:——”CalystemustbegoingtodineagainatLesTouches；hehasdressedhimself。””Heamuseshimself，thedearboy，”saidtheoldsister，takingasilverwhistlefromherpocketandwhistlingonce。
　　Mariottecamethroughthetowerandappearedatthedoorofcommunicationwhichwashiddenbyasilkencurtainliketheotherdoorsoftheroom。”Whatisit？”shesaid；”anythingwanted？””ThechevalierdinesatLesTouches；don’tcookthefish。””Butwearenotsureasyet，”saidthebaroness。”Youseemannoyed，sister；Iknowitbythetoneofyourvoice。””MonsieurGrimonthasheardsomeverygravechargesagainstMademoiselledesTouches，whoforthelastyearhassochangedourdearCalyste。””Changedhim，how？”askedthebaron。”Hereadsallsortsofbooks。””Ah！ah！”exclaimedthebaron，”sothat’swhyhehasgivenuphuntingandriding。””Hermoralsareveryreprehensible，andshehastakenaman’sname，”
　　addedMadameduGuenic。”Awarname，Isuppose，”saidtheoldman。”Iwascalled’l’Intime，’
　　theComtedeFontaine’Grand-Jacques，’theMarquisdeMontauranthe’Gars。’IwasthefriendofFerdinand，whoneversubmitted，anymorethanIdid。Ah！thosewerethegoodtimes；peopleshoteachother，butwhatofthat？weamusedourselvesallthesame，hereandthere。”
　　Thiswarmemory，pushingasidepaternalanxiety，saddenedFannyforamoment。Therector’srevelations，thewantofconfidenceshowntoherbyCalyste，hadkeptherfromsleeping。”SupposeMonsieurlechevalierdoesloveMademoiselledesTouches，where’stheharm？”saidMariotte。”Shehasthirtythousandfrancsayearandsheisveryhandsome。””Whatisthatyousay，Mariotte？”exclaimedtheoldbaron。”AGuenicmarryadesTouches！ThedesToucheswerenotevengroomsinthedayswhenduGuesclinconsideredourallianceasignalhonor。””Awomanwhotakesaman’sname，——CamilleMaupin！”saidthebaroness。”TheMaupinsareanoldfamily，”saidthebaron；”theybear:gules，three——”Hestopped。”ButshecannotbeaMaupinandadesTouchesboth，”headded。”SheiscalledMaupinonthestage。””AdesTouchescouldhardlybeanactress，”saidtheoldman。”Really，Fanny，ifIdidnotknowyou，Ishouldthinkyouwereoutofyourhead。””Shewritesplays，andbooks，”continuedthebaroness。”Books？”saidthebaron，lookingathiswifewithanairofasmuchsurpriseasthoughsheweretellingofamiracle。”IhaveheardthatMademoiselleScuderyandMadamedeSevignewrotebooks，butitwasnotthebestthingtheydid。””AreyougoingtodineatLesTouches，monsieur？”saidMariotte，whenCalysteentered。”Probably，”repliedtheyoungman。
　　Mariottewasnotinquisitive；shewaspartofthefamily；andshelefttheroomwithoutwaitingtohearwhatthebaronesswouldsaytoherson。”AreyougoingagaintoLesTouches，myCalyste？”Thebaronessemphasizedthe/my/。”LesTouchesisnotarespectableordecenthouse。Itsmistressleadsanirregularlife；shewillcorruptourCalyste。AlreadyCamilleMaupinhasmadehimreadmanybooks；hehashadadventures——Youknewallthat，mynaughtychild，andyouneversaidonewordtoyourbestfriends！””Thechevalierisdiscreet，”saidhisfather，——”avirtueoftheoldentime。””Toodiscreet，”saidthejealousmother，observingtheredflushonherson’sforehead。”Mydearmother，”saidCalyste，kneelingdownbesidethebaroness，”I
　　didn’tthinkitnecessarytopublishmydefeat。MademoiselledesTouches，or，ifyouchoosetocallherso，CamilleMaupin，rejectedmylovemorethaneighteenmonthsago，duringherlaststayatLesTouches。Shelaughedatme，gently；sayingshemightverywellbemymother；thatawomanoffortycommittedasortofcrimeagainstnatureinlovingaminor，andthatsheherselfwasincapableofsuchdepravity。Shemadeathousandlittlejokes，whichhurtme——forsheiswittyasanangel；butwhenshesawmeweephottearsshetriedtocomfortme，andofferedmeherfriendshipinthenoblestmanner。Shehasmoreheartthaneventalent；sheisasgenerousasyouareyourself。Iamnowherchild。Onherreturnherelately，hearingfromherthatshelovesanother，Ihaveresignedmyself。Donotrepeatthecalumniesthathavebeensaidofher。Camilleisanartist，shehasgenius，sheleadsoneofthoseexceptionalexistenceswhichcannotbejudgedlikeordinarylives。””Mychild，”saidthereligiousFanny，”nothingcanexcuseawomanfornotconductingherselfastheChurchrequires。ShefailsinherdutytoGodandtosocietybyabjuringthegentletenetsofhersex。A
　　womancommitsasininevengoingtoatheatre；buttowritetheimpietiesthatactorsrepeat，toroamabouttheworld，firstwithanenemytothePope，andthenwithamusician，ah！Calyste，youcanneverpersuademethatsuchactsaredeedsoffaith，hope，orcharity。
　　HerfortunewasgivenherbyGodtodogood，andwhatgooddoesshedowithhers？”
　　Calystesprangupsuddenly，andlookedathismother。”Mother，”hesaid，”Camilleismyfriend；Icannothearherspokenofinthisway；Iwouldgivemyverylifeforher。””Yourlife！”saidthebaroness，lookingatherson，withstartledeyes。”Yourlifeisourlife，thelifeofallofus。””MynephewhasjustsaidmanythingsIdonotunderstand，”saidtheoldwoman，turningtowardhim。”Wheredidhelearnthem？”saidthemother；”atLesTouches。””Yes，mydarlingmother；shefoundmeignorantasacarp，andshehastaughtme。””Youknewtheessentialthingswhenyoulearnedthedutiestaughtusbyreligion，”repliedthebaroness。”Ah！thiswomanisfatedtodestroyyournobleandsacredbeliefs。”
　　Theoldmaidrose，andsolemnlystretchedforthherhandstowardherbrother，whowasdozinginhischair。”Calyste，”shesaid，inavoicethatcamefromherheart，”yourfatherhasneveropenedbooks，hespeaksBreton，hefoughtforGodandfortheking。Educatedpeopledidtheevil，educatednoblemendesertedtheirland，——beeducatedifyouchoose！”
　　Sosaying，shesatdownandbegantoknitwitharapiditywhichbetrayedherinwardemotion。”Myangel，”saidthemother，weeping，”Iforeseesomeevilcomingdownuponyouinthathouse。””WhoismakingFannyweep？”criedtheoldman，wakingwithastartatthesoundofhiswife’svoice。Helookedrounduponhissister，hisson，andthebaroness。”Whatisthematter？”heasked。”Nothing，myfriend，”repliedhiswife。”Mamma，”saidCalyste，whisperinginhismother’sear，”itisimpossibleformetoexplainmyselfjustnow；butto-nightyouandI
　　willtalkofthis。Whenyouknowall，youwillblessMademoiselledesTouches。””Mothersdonotliketocurse，”repliedthebaroness。”IcouldnotcurseawomanwhotrulylovedmyCalyste。”
　　Theyoungmanbadeadieutohisfatherandwentout。Thebaronandhiswiferosetoseehimpassthroughthecourt-yard，openthegate，anddisappear。Thebaronessdidnotagaintakeupthenewspaper；shewastooagitated。Inthistranquil，untroubledlifesuchadiscussionwastheequivalentofaquarrelinotherhomes。Thoughsomewhatcalmed，hermotherlyuneasinesswasnotdispersed。Whitherwouldsuchafriendship，whichmightclaimthelifeofCalysteanddestroyit，leadherboy？BlessMademoiselledesTouches？howcouldthatbe？Thesequestionswereasmomentoustohersimplesoulasthefuryofrevolutionstoastatesman。CamilleMaupinwasRevolutionitselfinthatcalmandplacidhome。”Ifearthatwomanwillruinhim，”shesaid，pickingupthepaper。”MydearFanny，”saidtheoldbaron，withajauntyair，”youaretoomuchofanangeltounderstandthesethings。MademoiselledesTouchesis，theysay，asblackasacrow，asstrongasaTurk，andfortyyearsold。OurdearCalystewascertaintofallinlovewithher。Ofcoursehewilltellcertainhonorablelittleliestoconcealhishappiness。
　　Lethimalonetoamusehimselfwithhisfirstillusions。””Ifithadbeenanyotherwoman——”beganthebaroness。”But，mydearFanny，ifthewomanwereasaintshewouldnotacceptyourson。”Thebaronessagainpickedupthepaper。”Iwillgoandseehermyself，”addedthebaron，”andtellyouallabouther。”
　　Thisspeechhasnosavoratthepresentmoment。ButafterreadingthebiographyofCamilleMaupinyoucanthenimaginetheoldbaronenteringthelistsagainstthatillustriouswoman。
　　VI
　　BIOGRAPHYOFCAMILLEMAUPIN
　　ThetownofGuerande，whichfortwomonthspasthadseenCalyste，itsflowerandpride，going，morningorevening，oftenmorningandevening，toLesTouches，concludedthatMademoiselleFelicitedesToucheswaspassionatelyinlovewiththebeautifulyouth，andthatshepractiseduponhimallkindsofsorceries。Morethanoneyounggirlandwifeaskedherselfbywhatrightanoldwomanexercisedsoabsoluteanempireoverthatangel。WhenCalystepassedalongtheGrand’RuetotheCroisicgatemanyaregretfuleyewasfastenedonhim。
　　ItnowbecamenecessarytoexplaintherumorswhichhoveredaboutthepersonwhomCalystewasonhiswaytosee。Theserumors，swelledbyBretongossip，envenomedbypublicignorance，hadreachedtherector。
　　Thereceiveroftaxes，the/jugedepaix/，theheadoftheSaint-
　　Nazairecustom-houseandotherletteredpersonshadnotreassuredtheabbebyrelatingtohimthestrangeandfantasticlifeofthefemalewriterwhoconcealedherselfunderthemasculinenameofCamilleMaupin。Shedidnotasyeteatlittlechildren，norkillherslaveslikeCleopatra，northrowmenintotheriverastheheroineoftheTourdeNeslewasfalselyaccusedofdoing；buttotheAbbeGrimontthismonstrouscreature，acrossbetweenasirenandanatheist，wasanimmoralcombinationofwomanandphilosopherwhoviolatedeverysociallawinventedtorestrainorutilizetheinfirmitiesofwomankind。
　　JustasClaraGazulisthefemalepseudonymofadistinguishedmalewriter，GeorgeSandthemasculinepseudonymofawomanofgenius，soCamilleMaupinwasthemaskbehindwhichwaslonghiddenacharmingyoungwoman，verywell-born，aBreton，namedFelicitedesTouches，thepersonwhowasnowcausingsuchlivelyanxietytotheBaronneduGuenicandtheexcellentrectorofGuerande。TheBretondesTouchesfamilyhasnoconnectionwiththefamilyofthesamenameinTouraine，towhichbelongstheambassadoroftheRegent，evenmorefamousto-dayforhiswritingsthanforhisdiplomatictalents。
　　CamilleMaupin，oneofthefewcelebratedwomenofthenineteenthcentury，waslongsupposedtobeaman，onaccountofthevirilityofherfirstwritings。Alltheworldnowknowsthetwovolumesofplays，notintendedforrepresentationonthestage，writtenafterthemannerofShakespeareorLopezdeVega，publishedin1822，whichmadeasortofliteraryrevolutionwhenthegreatquestionoftheclassicsandtheromanticistspalpitatedonallsides，——inthenewspapers，attheclubs，attheAcademy，everywhere。Sincethen，CamilleMaupinhaswrittenseveralplaysandanovel，whichhavenotbeliedthesuccessobtainedbyherfirstpublication——now，perhaps，toomuchforgotten。
　　Toexplainbywhatnet-workofcircumstancesthemasculineincarnationofayounggirlwasbroughtabout，whyFelicitedesTouchesbecameamanandanauthor，andwhy，morefortunatethanMadamedeStael，shekeptherfreedomandwasthusmoreexcusableforhercelebrity，wouldbetosatisfymanycuriositiesanddojusticetooneofthoseabnormalbeingswhoriseinhumanitylikemonuments，andwhosefameispromotedbyitsrarity，——forintwentycenturieswecancount，atmost，twentyfamouswomen。Therefore，althoughinthesepagesshestandsasasecondarycharacter，inconsiderationofthefactthatsheplaysagreatpartintheliteraryhistoryofourepoch，andthatherinfluenceoverCalystewasgreat，noone，wethink，willregretbeingmadetopausebeforethatfigureratherlongerthanmodernartpermits。
　　MademoiselleFelicitedesTouchesbecameanorphanin1793。Herpropertyescapedconfiscationbyreasonofthedeathsofherfatherandbrother。Thefirstwaskilledonthe10thofAugust，atthethresholdofthepalace，amongthedefendersoftheking，nearwhosepersonhisrankasmajoroftheguardsofthegatehadplacedhim。Herbrother，oneofthebody-guard，wasmassacredatLesCarmes。
　　MademoiselledesToucheswastwoyearsoldwhenhermotherdied，killedbygrief，afewdaysafterthissecondcatastrophe。Whendying，MadamedesTouchesconfidedherdaughtertohersister，anunofChelles。MadamedeFaucombe，thenun，prudentlytooktheorphantoFaucombe，agood-sizedestatenearNantes，belongingtoMadamedesTouches，andthereshesettledwiththelittlegirlandthreesistersofherconvent。ThepopulaceofNantes，duringthelastdaysoftheTerror，toredownthechateau，seizedthenunsandMademoiselledesTouches，andthrewthemintoprisononafalsechargeofreceivingemissariesofPittandCoburg。The9thThermidorreleasedthem。
　　Felicite’sauntdiedoffear。TwoofthesistersleftFrance，andthethirdconfidedthelittlegirltohernearestrelation，MonsieurdeFaucombe，hermaternalgreat-uncle，wholivedinNantes。
　　MonsieurdeFaucombe，anoldmansixtyyearsofage，hadmarriedayoungwomantowhomheleftthemanagementofhisaffairs。Hebusiedhimselfinarchaeology，——apassion，ortospeakmorecorrectly，oneofthosemaniaswhichenableoldmentofancythemselvesstillliving。
　　Theeducationofhiswardwasthereforelefttochance。Littlecared-
　　forbyheruncle’swife，ayoungwomangivenovertothesocialpleasuresoftheimperialepoch，Felicitebroughtherselfupasaboy。
　　ShekeptcompanywithMonsieurdeFaucombeinhislibrary；whereshereadeverythingitpleasedhertoread。Shethusobtainedaknowledgeoflifeintheory，andhadnoinnocenceofmind，thoughvirginpersonally。Herintellectfloatedontheimpuritiesofknowledgewhileherheartwaspure。Herlearningbecameextraordinary，theresultofapassionforreading，sustainedbyapowerfulmemory。Ateighteenyearsofageshewasaswell-informedonalltopicsasayoungmanenteringaliterarycareerhasneedtobeinourday。Herprodigiousreadingcontrolledherpassionsfarmorethanconventuallifewouldhavedone；
　　fortheretheimaginationsofyounggirlsrunriot。Abraincrammedwithknowledgethatwasneitherdigestednorclassedgovernedtheheartandsoulofthechild。Thisdepravityoftheintellect，withoutactionuponthechastityofthebody，wouldhaveamazedphilosophersandobservers，hadanyoneinNantesevensuspectedthepowersofMademoiselledesTouches。
　　Theresultofallthiswasinacontrarydirectiontothecause。
　　Felicitehadnoinclinationstowardevil；sheconceivedeverythingbythought，butabstainedfromdeed。OldFaucombewasenchantedwithher，andshehelpedhiminhiswork，——writingthreeofhisbooks，whichtheworthyoldgentlemanbelievedwerehisown；forhisspiritualpaternitywasblind。Suchmentallabor，notagreeingwiththedevelopmentsofgirlhood，haditseffect。Felicitefellill；herbloodwasoverheated，andherchestseemedthreatenedwithinflammation。Thedoctorsorderedhorsebackexerciseandtheamusementsofsociety。
　　MademoiselledesTouchesbecame，inconsequence，anadmirablehorsewoman，andrecoveredherhealthinafewmonths。
　　Attheageofeighteensheappearedintheworld，wheresheproducedsogreatasensationthatnooneinNantescalledheranythingelsethan”thebeautifulMademoiselledesTouches。”Ledtoentersocietybyoneoftheimperishablesentimentsintheheartofawoman，howeversuperiorshemaybe，theworshipsheinspiredfoundhercoldandunresponsive。Hurtbyherauntandhercousins，whoridiculedherstudiesandteasedheraboutherunwillingnessforsociety，whichtheyattributedtoalackofthepowerofpleasing，Feliciteresolvedonmakingherselfcoquettish，gay，volatile，——awoman，inshort。Butsheexpectedinreturnanexchangeofideas，seductions，andpleasuresinharmonywiththeelevationofherownmindandtheextentofitsknowledge。Insteadofthat，shewasfilledwithdisgustforthecommonplacesofconversation，thesillinessofgallantry；andmoreespeciallywassheshockedbythesupremacyofmilitarymen，towhomsocietymadeobeisanceatthatperiod。Shehad，notunnaturally，neglectedtheminoraccomplishments。Findingherselfinferiortotheprettydollswhoplayedonthepianoandmadethemselvesagreeablebysingingballads，shedeterminedtobeamusician。Retiringintoherformersolitudeshesettoworkresolvedly，underthedirectionofthebestmasterinthetown。Shewasrich，andshesentforSteibeltwhenthetimecametoperfectherself。Theastonishedtownstilltalksofthisprincelyconduct。Thestayofthatmastercosthertwelvethousandfrancs。Later，whenshewenttoParis，shestudiedharmonyandthorough-bass，andcomposedthemusicoftwooperaswhichhavehadgreatsuccess，thoughthepublichasneverbeenadmittedtothesecretoftheirauthorship。OstensiblytheseoperasarebyConti，oneofthemosteminentmusiciansofourday；butthiscircumstancebelongstothehistoryofherheart，andwillbementionedlateron。
　　Themediocrityofthesocietyofaprovincialtownweariedhersoexcessively，herimaginationwassofilledwithgrandioseideasthatalthoughshereturnedtothesalonstoeclipseotherwomenoncemorebyherbeauty，andenjoyhernewtriumphasamusician，sheagaindesertedthem；andhavingprovedherpowertohercousins，anddriventwoloverstodespair，shereturnedtoherbooks，herpiano，theworksofBeethoven，andheroldfriendFaucombe。In1812，whenshewastwenty-oneyearsofage，theoldarchaeologisthandedovertoherhisguardianshipaccounts。Fromthatyear，shetookcontrolofherfortune，whichconsistedoffifteenthousandfrancsayear，derivedfromLesTouches，thepropertyofherfather；twelvethousandayearfromFaucombewhich，however，sheincreasedone-thirdonrenewingtheleases；andacapitalofthreehundredthousandfrancslaidbyduringherminoritybyherguardians。
　　Feliciteacquiredfromherexperienceofprovinciallife，anunderstandingofmoney，andthatstrongtendencytoadministrativewisdomwhichenablestheprovincestoholdtheirownundertheascensionalmovementofcapitaltowardsParis。Shedrewherthreehundredthousandfrancsfromthehouseofbusinesswhereherguardianhadplacedthem，andinvestedthemontheGrand-livreattheverymomentofthedisastersoftheretreatfromMoscow。Inthisway，sheincreasedherincomebythirtythousandfrancs。Allexpensespaid，shefoundherselfwithfiftythousandfrancsayeartoinvest。Attwenty-
　　oneyearsofageagirlwithsuchforceofwillistheequalofamanofthirty。Hermindhadtakenawiderange；habitsofcriticismenabledhertojudgesoberlyofmen，andart，andthings，andpublicquestions。HenceforthsheresolvedtoleaveNantes；butoldFaucombefallingillwithhislastillness，she，whohadbeenbothwifeanddaughtertohim，remainedtonursehim，withthedevotionofanangel，foreighteenmonths，closinghiseyesatthemomentwhenNapoleonwasstrugglingwithallEuropeonthecorpseofFrance。HerremovaltoPariswasthereforestillfurtherpostponeduntilthecloseofthatcrisis。
　　AsaRoyalist，shehastenedtobepresentatthereturnoftheBourbonstoParis。TheretheGrandlieus，towhomshewasrelated，receivedherastheirguest；butthecatastrophesofMarch20
　　intervened，andherfuturewasvagueanduncertain。ShewasthusenabledtoseewithherowneyesthatlastimageoftheEmpire，andbeholdtheGrandArmywhenitcametotheChampdeMars，astoaRomancircus，tosaluteitsCaesarbeforeitwenttoitsdeathatWaterloo。
　　ThegreatandnoblesoulofFelicitewasstirredbythatmagicspectacle。Thepoliticalcommotions，theglamourofthattheatricalplayofthreemonthswhichhistoryhascalledtheHundredDays，occupiedhermindandpreservedherfromallpersonalemotionsinthemidstofaconvulsionwhichdispersedtheroyalistsocietyamongwhomshehadintendedtoreside。TheGrandlieusfollowedtheBourbonstoGhent，leavingtheirhousetoMademoiselledesTouches。Felicite，whodidnotchoosetotakeasubordinateposition，purchasedforonehundredandthirtythousandfrancsoneofthefinesthousesintherueMontBlanc，wheresheinstalledherselfonthereturnoftheBourbonsin1815。Thegardenofthishouseisto-dayworthtwomillions。
　　Accustomedtocontrolherownlife，Felicitesoonfamiliarizedherselfwiththewaysofthoughtandactionwhichareheldtobeexclusivelytheprovinceofman。In1816shewastwenty-fiveyearsold。Sheknewnothingofmarriage；herconceptionofitwaswhollythatofthought；
　　shejudgeditinitscausesinsteadofitseffect，andsawonlyitsobjectionableside。Hersuperiormindrefusedtomaketheabdicationbywhichamarriedwomanbeginsthatlife；shekeenlyfeltthevalueofindependence，andwasconsciousofdisgustforthedutiesofmaternity。
　　ItisnecessarytogivethesedetailstoexplaintheanomaliespresentedbythelifeofCamilleMaupin。Shehadknownneitherfathernormother；shehadbeenherownmistressfromchildhood；herguardianwasanoldarchaeologist。Chancehadflungherintotheregionsofknowledgeandofimagination，intotheworldofliterature，insteadofholdingherwithintherigidcircledefinedbythefutileeducationgiventowomen，andbymaternalinstructionsastodress，hypocriticalpropriety，andthehuntinggracesoftheirsex。Thus，longbeforeshebecamecelebrated，aglancemighthavetoldanobserverthatshehadneverplayedwithdolls。
　　Towardthecloseoftheyear1817FelicitedesTouchesbegantoperceive，notthefadingofherbeauty，butthebeginningofacertainlassitudeofbody。Shesawthatachangewouldpresentlytakeplaceinherpersonastheresultofherobstinatecelibacy。Shewantedtoretainheryouthandbeauty，towhichatthattimesheclung。SciencewarnedherofthesentencepronouncedbyNatureuponallhercreations，whichperishasmuchbythemisconceptionofherlawsasbytheabuseofthem。Themaceratedfaceofherauntreturnedtohermemoryandmadehershudder。Placedbetweenmarriageandlove，herdesirewastokeepherfreedom；butshewasnownolongerindifferenttohomageandtheadmirationthatsurroundedher。Shewas，atthemomentwhenthishistorybegins，almostexactlywhatshewasin1817。
　　Eighteenyearshadpassedoverherheadandrespectedit。Atfortyshemighthavebeenthoughtnomorethantwenty-five。
　　Thereforetodescribeherin1836istopictureherasshewasin1817。WomenwhoknowtheconditionsoftemperamentandhappinessinwhichawomanshouldlivetoresisttheravagesoftimewillunderstandhowandwhyFelicitedesTouchesenjoyedthisgreatprivilegeastheystudyaportraitforwhichwerereservedthebrightesttintsofNature’spalette，andtherichestsetting。
　　Brittanypresentsacuriousproblemtobesolvedinthepredominanceofdarkhair，browneyes，andswarthycomplexionsinaregionsonearEnglandthattheatmosphericeffectsarealmostidentical。Doesthisproblembelongtothegreatquestionofraces？tohithertounobservedphysicalinfluences？Sciencemaysomedayfindthereasonofthispeculiarity，whichceasesintheadjoiningprovinceofNormandy。
　　Waitingitssolution，thisoddfactistherebeforeoureyes；faircomplexionsarerareinBrittany，wherethewomen’seyesareasblackandlivelyasthoseofSouthernwomen；butinsteadofpossessingthetallfiguresandswayinglinesofItalyandSpain，theyareusuallyshort，close-knit，wellset-upandfirm，exceptinthehigherclasseswhicharecrossedbytheiralliances。
　　MademoiselledesTouches，atrueBreton，isofmediumheight，thoughshelookstallerthanshereallyis。Thiseffectisproducedbythecharacterofherface，whichgivesheighttoherform。Shehasthatskin，olivebydayanddazzlingbycandlelight，whichdistinguishesabeautifulItalian；youmight，ifyoupleased，callitanimatedivory。
　　Thelightglidesalongaskinofthattextureasonapolishedsurface；itshines；aviolentemotionisnecessarytobringthefaintestcolortothecentreofthecheeks，whereitgoesawayalmostimmediately。Thispeculiaritygivestoherfacethecalmimpassibilityofthesavage。Theface，morelongthanoval，resemblesthatofsomebeautifulIsisintheEgyptianbas-reliefs；ithasthepurityoftheheadsofsphinxes，polishedbythefireofthedesert，kissedbyaCopticsun。Thetonesoftheskinareinharmonywiththefaultlessmodellingofthehead。Theblackandabundanthairdescendsinheavymassesbesidethethroat，likethecoifofthestatuesatMemphis，andcarriesoutmagnificentlythegeneralseverityofform。Theforeheadisfull，broad，andswellingaboutthetemples，illuminatedbysurfaceswhichcatchthelight，andmodelledlikethebrowofthehuntingDiana，apowerfulanddeterminedbrow，silentandself-
　　contained。Thearchoftheeye-brows，vigorouslydrawn，surmountsapairofeyeswhoseflamescintillatesattimeslikethatofafixedstar。Thewhiteoftheeyeisneitherbluish，norstrewnwithscarletthreads，norisitpurelywhite；ithasthetextureofhorn，butthetoneiswarm。Thepupilissurroundedbyanorangecircle；itisofbronzesetingold，butvividgoldandanimatedbronze。Thispupilhasdepth；itisnotunderlaid，asincertaineyes，byaspeciesoffoil，whichsendsbackthelightandmakessucheyesresemblethoseofcatsortigers；ithasnotthatterribleinflexibilitywhichmakesasensitivepersonshudder；butthisdepthhasinitsomethingoftheinfinite，justastheexternalradianceoftheeyessuggeststheabsolute。Theglanceofanobservermaybelostinthatsoul，whichgathersitselfupandretireswithasmuchrapidityasitgushedforasecondintothosevelveteyes。InmomentsofpassiontheeyesofCamilleMaupinaresublime；thegoldofherglanceilluminatesthemandtheyflame。Butinreposetheyaredull；thetorporofmeditationoftenlendsthemanappearanceofstupidity[*]；inlikemanner，whentheglowofthesoulisabsentthelinesofthefacearesad。
　　[*]GeorgeSandsaysofherself，in”L’HistoiredeMaVie，”publishedlongaftertheabovewaswritten:”Thehabitofmeditationgaveme/l’airbete/astupidair。Isaythewordfrankly，forallmylifeIhavebeentoldthis，andthereforeitmustbetrue。”——TR。
　　Thelashesoftheeyelidsareshort，butthickandblackasthetipofanermine’stail；theeyelidsarebrownandstrewnwithredfibrils，whichgivethemgraceandstrength，——twoqualitieswhichareseldomunitedinawoman。Thecircleroundtheeyesshowsnottheslightestblemishnorthesmallestwrinkle。There，again，wefindthegraniteofanEgyptianstatuesoftenedbytheages。Butthelineofthecheek-
　　bones，thoughsoft，ismorepronouncedthaninotherwomenandcompletesthecharacterofstrengthwhichthefaceexpresses。Thenose，thinandstraight，partsintotwoobliquenostrils，passionatelydilatedattimes，andshowingthetransparentpinkoftheirdelicatelining。Thisnoseisanadmirablecontinuationoftheforehead，withwhichitblendsinamostdeliciousline。Itisperfectlywhitefromitsspringtoitstip，andthetipisendowedwithasortofmobilitywhichdoesmarvelsifCamilleisindignant，orangry，orrebellious。
　　There，aboveall，asTalmaonceremarked，isseendepictedtheangerortheironyofgreatminds。Theimmobilityofthehumannostrilindicatesacertainnarrownessofsoul；neverdidthenoseofamiseroscillate；itcontractslikethelips；helocksuphisfaceashedoeshismoney。
　　Camille’smouth，archingatthecorners，isofavividred；bloodaboundsthere，andsuppliestheliving，thinkingoxidewhichgivessuchseductiontothelips，reassuringtheloverwhomthegravityofthatmajesticfacemayhavedismayed。Theupperlipisthin，thefurrowwhichunitesitwiththenosecomeslow，givingitacentrecurvewhichemphasizesitsnaturaldisdain。Camillehaslittletodotoexpressanger。Thisbeautifullipissupportedbythestrongredbreadthofitslowermate，adorableinkindness，swellingwithlove，alipliketheouterpetalofapomegranatesuchasPhidiasmighthavecarved，andthecolorofwhichithas。Thechinisfirmandratherfull；butitexpressesresolutionandfitlyendsthisprofile，royalifnotdivine。Itisnecessarytoaddthattheupperlipbeneaththenoseislightlyshadedbyacharmingdown。Naturewouldhavemadeablunderhadshenotcastthattendermistupontheface。Theearsaredelicatelyconvoluted，——asignofsecretrefinement。Thebustislarge，thewaistslimandsufficientlyrounded。Thehipsarenotprominent，butverygraceful；thelineofthethighsismagnificent，recallingBacchusratherthantheVenusCallipyge。Therewemayseetheshadowylineofdemarcationwhichseparatesnearlyeverywomanofgeniusfromhersex；theresuchwomenarefoundtohaveacertainvaguesimilitudetoman；theyhaveneitherthesupplenessnorthesoftabandonmentofthosewhomNaturedestinesformaternity；theirgaitisnotbrokenbyfalteringmotions。Thisobservationmaybecalledbi-lateral；ithasitscounterpartinmen，whosethighsarethoseofwomenwhentheyaresly，cunning，false，andcowardly。Camille’sneck，insteadofcurvinginwardatthenape，curvesoutinalinethatunitestheheadtotheshoulderswithoutsinuosity，amostsignalcharacteristicofforce。Theneckitselfpresentsatcertainmomentsanathleticmagnificence。Thespringofthearmsfromtheshoulders，superbinoutline，seemstobelongtoacolossalwoman。Thearmsarevigorouslymodelled，endinginwristsofEnglishdelicacyandcharminghands，plump，dimpled，andadornedwithrosy，almond-shapednails；
　　thesehandsareofawhitenesswhichrevealsthatthebody，soround，sofirm，sowellset-up，isofanothercomplexionaltogetherthantheface。Thefirm，coldcarriageoftheheadiscorrectedbythemobilityofthelips，theirchangingexpression，andtheartisticplayofthenostrils。
　　Andyet，inspiteofallthesepromises——hidden，perhaps，fromtheprofane——thecalmofthatcountenancehassomething，Iknownotwhat，thatisvexatious。Moresad，moreseriousthangracious，thatfaceismarkedbythemelancholyofconstantmeditation。ForthisreasonMademoiselledesToucheslistensmorethanshetalks。Shestartlesbyhersilenceandbythatdeep-reachingglanceofintensefixity。NoeducatedpersoncouldseeherwithoutthinkingofCleopatra，thatdarklittlewomanwhoalmostchangedthefaceoftheworld。ButinCamillethenaturalanimalissocomplete，soself-sufficing，ofanaturesoleonine，thataman，howeverlittleofaTurkhemaybe，regretsthepresenceofsogreatamindinsuchabody，andcouldwishthatshewerewhollywoman。Hefearstofindthestrangedistortionofanabnormalsoul。Donotcoldanalysisandmatter-of-facttheorypointtopassionsinsuchawoman？Doesshejudge，andnotfeel？Or，phenomenonmoreterrible，doesshenotfeelandjudgeatoneandthesametime？
　　Ableforallthingsthroughherbrain，oughthercoursetobecircumscribedbythelimitationsofotherwomen？Hasthatintellectualstrengthweakenedherheart？Hasshenocharm？Canshedescendtothosetendernothingsbywhichawomanoccupies，andsoothesandintereststhemansheloves？Willshenotcastasideasentimentwhenitnolongerrespondstosomevisionofinfinitudewhichshegraspsandcontemplatesinhersoul？Whocanscaletheheightstowhichhereyeshaverisen？Yes，amanfearstofindinsuchawomansomethingunattainable，unpossessable，unconquerable。Thewomanofstrongmindshouldremainasymbol；asarealityshemustbefeared。CamilleMaupinisinsomewaysthelivingimageofSchiller’sIsis，seatedinthedarknessofthetemple，atwhosefeetherpriestsfindthedeadbodiesofthedaringmenwhohaveconsultedher。
　　Theadventuresofherlifedeclaredtobetruebytheworld，andwhichCamillehasneverdisavowed，enforcethequestionssuggestedbyherpersonalappearance。Perhapsshelikesthosecalumnies。
　　Thenatureofherbeautyhasnotbeenwithoutitsinfluenceonherfame；ithasservedit，justasherfortuneandpositionhavemaintainedherinsociety。IfasculptordesirestomakeastatueofBrittanylethimtakeMademoiselledesTouchesforhismodel。Thatfull-blooded，powerfultemperamentistheonlynaturecapableofrepellingtheactionoftime。Theconstantnourishmentofthepulp，sotospeak，ofthatpolishedskinisanarmgiventowomenbyNaturetoresisttheinvasionofwrinkles；inCamille’scaseitwasaidedbythecalmimpassibilityofherfeatures。
　　In1817thischarmingyoungwomanopenedherhousetoartists，authorsofrenown，learnedandscientificmen，andpublicists，——asocietytowardwhichhertastesledher。HersalonresembledthatofBaronGerard，wheremenofrankmingledwithmenofdistinctionofallkinds，andtheeliteofParisianwomencame。TheparentageofMademoiselledesTouches，andherfortune，increasedbythatofherauntthenun，protectedherintheattempt，alwaysverydifficultinParis，tocreateasociety。Herworldlyindependencewasonereasonofhersuccess。Variousambitiousmothersindulgedinthehopeofinducinghertomarrytheirsons，whosefortuneswereoutofproportiontotheageoftheirescutcheons。SeveralpeersofFrance，alluredbytheprospectofeightythousandfrancsayearandahousemagnificentlyappointed，tooktheirwomenkind，eventhemostfastidiousandintractable，tovisither。Thediplomaticworld，alwaysinsearchofamusementsoftheintellect，camethereandfoundenjoyment。ThusMademoiselledesTouches，surroundedbysomanyformsofindividualinterests，wasabletostudythedifferentcomedieswhichpassion，covetousness，andambitionmakethegeneralityofmenperform，——eventhosewhoarehighestinthesocialscale。Shesaw，earlyinlife，theworldasitis；andshewasfortunateenoughnottofallearlyintoabsorbinglove，whichwarpsthemindandfacultiesofawomanandpreventsherfromjudgingsoberly。