husband was displeased, and
that instead of having made Monsieur Dorlange an easy diversion, I had
called down upon his head the ill-humor of my ogre, who instantly turned
upon him.

After telling him that much had been said about his candidacy during
dinner at the ministry, Monsieur de l'Estorade began to show him all
the reasons why he might expect an overwhelming defeat; namely, that
Arcis-sur-Aube was one of the boroughs where the administration felt
itself most secure; that a man of extraordinary political ability had
already been sent there to manipulate the election, and had made a
first report giving triumphant news of his success. These were only
generalities, to which Monsieur Dorlange replied with modesty, but also
with the air of a man who had resolved who take his chances against all
risks to which his election might be exposed. Monsieur de l'Estorade
then produced a final shaft which, under the circumstances, was
calculated to have a marvellous effect, because it attacked both the
candidate and his private life.

"Listen to me, my dear monsieur," said my husband, "when a man starts
on an electoral career he must remember that he stakes everything; his
public life and also his private life. Your adversaries will ransack
your present and your past with a pitiless hand, and sorrow to him who
has any dark spots to hide. Now I ought not to conceal from you that
to-night, at the ministers', much was said about a little scandal which,
while it may be venial in the life of an artist, takes proportions
altogether more serious in that of the people's representative. You
understand me, of course. I refer to that handsome Italian woman whom
you have in your house. Take care; some puritanical elector whose own
morality may be more or less problematical, is likely to call you to
account for her presence."

The reply made by Monsieur Dorlange was very dignified.

"To those," he said, "who may arraign me on that detail of my private
life I wish but one thing--that they may have nothing worse upon their
consciences. If I had not already wearied madame on our way from the
school with an interminable story, I would tell you the facts relating
to my handsome Italian, and you would see, Monsieur le comte, that her
presence in my house reflects in no way upon me.

"But," returned Monsieur de l'Estorade, softening his tone, "you take my
observation rather too seriously. As I said just now, an artist may have
a handsome mod