fe itself; for there is in man a disposition to lay
the blame of his own misery on the persons and things that surround him.

To discover in the demeanor, or the countenance, or the words, or the
gestures of Mademoiselle Evangelista any indication that revealed the
imperfections of her character, Paul must have possessed not only the
knowledge of Lavater and Gall, but also a science in which there exists
no formula of doctrine,--the individual and personal science of an
observer, which, for its perfection, requires an almost universal
knowledge. Natalie's face, like that of most young girls, was
impenetrable. The deep, serene peace given by sculptors to the virgin
faces of Justice and Innocence, divinities aloof from all earthly
agitations, is the greatest charm of a young girl, the sign of her
purity. Nothing, as yet, has stirred her; no shattered passion, no hope
betrayed has clouded the placid expression of that pure face. Is that
expression assumed? If so, there is no young girl behind it.

Natalie, closely held to the heart of her mother, had received, like
other Spanish women, an education that was solely religious, together
with a few instructions from her mother as to the part in life she was
called upon to play. Consequently, the calm, untroubled expression of
her face was natural. And yet it formed a casing in which the woman
was wrapped as the moth in its cocoon. Nevertheless, any man clever at
handling the scalpel of analysis might have detected in Natalie certain
indications of the difficulties her character would present when brought
into contact with conjugal or social life. Her beauty, which was really
marvellous, came from extreme regularity of feature harmonizing with the
proportions of the head and the body. This species of perfection augurs
ill for the mind; and there are few exceptions to the rule. All superior
nature is found to have certain slight imperfections of form which
become irresistible attractions, luminous points from which shine vivid
sentiments, and on which the eye rests gladly. Perfect harmony expresses
usually the coldness of a mixed organization.

Natalie's waist was round,--a sign of strength, but also the infallible
indication of a will which becomes obstinacy in persons whose mind
is neither keen nor broad. Her hands, like those of a Greek statue,
confirmed the predictions of face and figure by revealing an inclination
for illogical domination, of willing for will's sake only.