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