oman is only noble by her virtues--and the chief
of all virtues, modesty, is entirely wanting in your illustrious
friends----"

"Monsieur," interrupted the baroness, in a voice husky with anger, "you
forget yourself--you----"

But the baron was well under way. "If it is scandal that crowns one
a great lady, you ARE one--and one of the greatest; for you are
notorious--almost as notorious as Jenny Fancy. Can't I learn from
the newspapers all your sayings and gestures, your amusements, your
occupations, and the toilettes you wear? It is impossible to read of a
first performance at a theatre, or of a horse-race, without finding
your name coupled with that of Jenny Fancy, or Cora Pearl, or Ninette
Simplon. I should be a very strange husband indeed, if I wasn't proud
and delighted. Ah! you are a treasure to the reporters. On the day
before yesterday the Baroness Trigault skated in the Bois. Yesterday she
was driving in her pony-carriage. To-day she distinguished herself by
her skill at pigeon-shooting. To-morrow she will display herself half
nude in some tableaux vivants. On the day after to-morrow she will
inaugurate a new style of hair-dressing, and take part in a comedy. It
is always the Baroness Trigault who is the observed of all observers at
Vincennes. The Baroness Trigault has lost five hundred louis in betting.
The Baroness Trigault uses her lorgnette with charming impertinence.
It is she who has declared it proper form to take a 'drop' on returning
from the Bois. No one is so famed for 'form,' as the baroness--and
silk merchants have bestowed her name upon a color. People rave of the
Trigault blue--what glory! There are also costumes Trigault, for
the witty, elegant baroness has a host of admirers who follow her
everywhere, and loudly sing her praises. This is what I, a plain, honest
man, read every day in the newspapers. The whole world not only knows
how my wife dresses, but how she looks en dishabille, and how she
is formed; folks are aware that she has an exquisite foot, a
divinely-shaped leg, and a perfect hand. No one is ignorant of the fact
that my wife's shoulders are of dazzling whiteness, and that high on
the left shoulder there is a most enticing little mole. I had the
satisfaction of reading this particular last evening. It is charming,
upon my word! and I am truly a fortunate man!"

In the smoking-room, Pascal could hear the baroness angrily stamp her
foot, as she exclaimed: "It is an outrageous insul