igious opinion in the
old house. Sorrow often falls like a thunderbolt, as it did on Madame
Granson; but in this old maid it slowly spread like a drop of oil, which
never leaves the stuff that slowly imbibes it.

The Chevalier de Valois was the malicious manipulator who brought about
the crowning misfortune of Madame du Bousquier's life. His heart was set
on undeceiving her pious simplicity; for the chevalier, expert in love,
divined du Bousquier, the married man, as he had divined du Bousquier,
the bachelor. But the wary republican was difficult of attack. His salon
was, of course, closed to the Chevalier de Valois, as to all those who,
in the early days of his marriage, had slighted the Cormon mansion. He
was, moreover, impervious to ridicule; he possessed a vast fortune;
he reigned in Alencon; he cared as little for his wife as Richard III.
cared for the dead horse which had helped him win a battle. To please
her husband, Madame du Bousquier had broken off relations with the
d'Esgrignon household, where she went no longer, except that sometimes
when her husband left her during his trips to Paris, she would pay a
brief visit to Mademoiselle Armande.

About three years after her marriage, at the time of the Abbe de
Sponde's death, Mademoiselle Armande joined Madame du Bousquier as they
were leaving Saint-Leonard's, where they had gone to hear a requiem said
for him. The generous demoiselle thought that on this occasion she owed
her sympathy to the niece in trouble. They walked together, talking of
the dear deceased, until they reached the forbidden house, into which
Mademoiselle Armande enticed Madame du Bousquier by the charm of her
manner and conversation. The poor desolate woman was glad to talk of her
uncle with one whom he truly loved. Moreover, she wanted to receive the
condolences of the old marquis, whom she had not seen for nearly
three years. It was half-past one o'clock, and she found at the hotel
d'Esgrignon the Chevalier de Valois, who had come to dinner. As he bowed
to her, he took her by the hands.

"Well, dear, virtuous, and beloved lady," he said, in a tone of emotion,
"we have lost our sainted friend; we share your grief. Yes, your loss is
as keenly felt here as in your own home,--more so," he added, alluding
to du Bousquier.

After a few more words of funeral oration, in which all present spoke
from the heart, the chevalier took Madame du Bousquier's arm, and,
gallantly placing it within his own,