f-confidence as a woman, who, having reached the age
of thirty-two without a suspicion of what love is, cannot admit that at
this late date she may be subjected to the common law."

"But what I want is a practical conclusion," said Madame de l'Estorade,
tapping her foot.

"My practical conclusion,--here it is," replied Madame Octave. "If you
will not persist in the folly of swimming against the current, I see
no danger whatever in your being submerged. You are strong; you have
principles and religion; you adore your children; you love Monsieur
de l'Estorade, their father, in them. With all that ballast you cannot
sink."

"Well?" said Madame de l'Estorade, interrogatively.

"Well, there is no need to have recourse to violent measures, the
success of which is very problematical. Remain as you are; build no
barricades when no one attacks you. Don't excite tempests of heart and
conscience merely to pacify your conscience and quiet your heart, now
ruffled only by a tiny breeze. No doubt between a man and a woman the
sentiment of friendship does take something of the character ordinarily
given to love; but such friendship is neither an impossible illusion nor
is it a yawning gulf."

"Then," said Madame de l'Estorade, with a thoughtful air, "do you wish
me to make a friend of Monsieur de Sallenauve?"

"Yes, dear, in order not to make him a fixed idea, a regret, a
struggle,--three things which poison life."

"But my husband, who has already had a touch of jealousy?"

"As for your husband, I find him somewhat changed, and not for the
better. I miss that deference he always showed to you personally, to
your ideas and impressions,--a deference which honored him more than he
thought, because there is true greatness in the power to admire. I
may be mistaken, but it seems to me that public life is spoiling him
a little. As you cannot be with him in the Chamber of peers, he is
beginning to suspect that he can have a life without you. If I were you,
I should watch these symptoms of independence, and not let the work of
your lifetime come to nought."

"Do you know, my dear," said Madame de l'Estorade, laughing, "that you
are giving me advice that may end in fire and slaughter?"

"Not at all. I am a woman forty-five years of age, who has always seen
things on their practical side. I did not marry my husband, whom I
loved, until I had convinced myself, by putting him to the test, that
he was worthy of my esteem. I don't make l