tists (by nature no judges
of men), men of pleasure ready to amuse themselves anywhere, a few
politicians who swelled the numbers, and certain men of fashion, all
of whom admired Juana. Those who put themselves before the eyes of the
public in Paris must either conquer Paris or be subject to it. Diard's
character was not sufficiently strong, compact, or persistent to
command society at that epoch, because it was an epoch when all men were
endeavoring to rise. Social classifications ready-made are perhaps a
great boon even for the people. Napoleon has confided to us the pains
he took to inspire respect in his court, where most of the courtiers had
been his equals. But Napoleon was Corsican, and Diard Provencal. Given
equal genius, an islander will always be more compact and rounded than
the man of terra firma in the same latitude; the arm of the sea which
separates Corsica from Provence is, in spite of human science, an ocean
which has made two nations.

Diard's mongrel position, which he himself made still more questionable,
brought him great troubles. Perhaps there is useful instruction to be
derived from the almost imperceptible connection of acts which led to
the finale of this history.

In the first place, the sneerers of Paris did not see without malicious
smiles and words the pictures with which the former quartermaster
adorned his handsome mansion. Works of art purchased the night before
were said to be spoils from Spain; and this accusation was the revenge
of those who were jealous of his present fortune. Juana comprehended
this reproach, and by her advice Diard sent back to Tarragona all the
pictures he had brought from there. But the public, determined to see
things in the worst light, only said, "That Diard is shrewd; he has
sold his pictures." Worthy people continued to think that those which
remained in the Diard salons were not honorably acquired. Some jealous
women asked how it was that a _Diard_ (!) had been able to marry so rich
and beautiful a young girl. Hence comments and satires without end, such
as Paris contributes. And yet, it must be said, that Juana met on
all sides the respect inspired by her pure and religious life, which
triumphed over everything, even Parisian calumny; but this respect
stopped short with her, her husband received none of it. Juana's
feminine perception and her keen eye hovering over her salons, brought
her nothing but pain.

This lack of esteem was perfectly natural. Dia