ted by the
Sisters of the Visitation at Chateaudun, and at eighteen was married to
Hector Vaucogne, by whom she had one daughter, Elodie. She was thirty
years of age before she had any suspicion of the calling of her parents,
and at that time she took over the management of their establishment.
She proved a capable manager, and in spite of the laziness of her
husband, was able to keep up the reputation of the house, though in a
few years she killed herself with hard work. La Terre.

BADINGUET, a popular nickname for Napoleon III. It was the name of the
workman whose clothes he wore when he escaped from the fortress of Ham.
Son Excellence Eugene Rougon.

BAILLEHACHE, a notary at Cloyes, was born in 1805, and succeeded to
several generations of lawyers. He had a large business amongst the
peasantry, in whose quarrels he mediated with professional calmness. He
arranged the division of Fouan's property between the various members of
the old man's family. La Terre.

BAILLEHACHE (MADEMOISELLE), eldest sister of the preceding, was born in
1799. She was plain-looking, but good-natured, and at thirty-two married
Alexandre Hourdequin, to whom she brought a considerable dowry. She had
two children, a son and a daughter, and died in 1855. La Terre.

BALBI (CLORINDE), daughter of Comtesse Balbi, was a lady of great
beauty, but of eccentric habits. Her position in society being
precarious, she determined to establish it by a good marriage, and used
every endeavour to induce Eugene Rougon to make her his wife. Having
become fascinated by her beauty and charm, he made overtures which she
resisted in the belief that he would be the more certain to marry her.
He practically decided to do so, but reflection convinced him that
marriage with Clorinde Balbi would only injure his prospects of
political success. He suggested to her that she should marry his friend
Delestang, who was a man of wealth and position, and had expressed
admiration for her. Though naturally piqued at such a suggestion coming
from Rougon, she consented, and soon after was married. She remained on
outwardly friendly terms with Rougon, who was still infatuated by her,
but was determined to make him regret the slight he had put upon her.
After Rougon's return to office, Delestang, her husband, was, at her
request, appointed Minister of Commerce and Agriculture. She had not,
however, forgiven Rougon, and privately took a leading part in the
agitation against his admini