saint-hereen

Updated: May 9, 2025

"Mme. la Comtesse is in the little drawing-room," said the maid, when the Marquise asked whether Mme. de Saint-Hereen had finished dressing.

Honoré de Balzac - A Woman of Thirty

The Countess de Saint-Hereen, left to herself, thought that her mother had given her a somewhat shrewd home-thrust, but a kiss and a few attentions that evening would make all right again. A shrill cry came from the garden. She leaned carelessly out, as Pauline, not yet departed on her errand, called out for help, holding the Marquise in her arms.

Honoré de Balzac - A Woman of Thirty

The key of her position must be sought in her daughter's situation. The Comte de Saint-Hereen had been away for nearly six months on a political mission.

Honoré de Balzac - A Woman of Thirty

"Mme. de Saint-Hereen has delightful 'At Homes' for her mother," said a rosebud. "All Paris goes to her salon. "And no one pays any attention to the Marquise," returned the parasite. "The fact is that Mme. d'Aiglemont is never alone," remarked a coxcomb, siding with the young women. "In the morning," the old observer continued in a discreet voice, "in the morning dear Moina is asleep.

Honoré de Balzac - A Woman of Thirty

The elderly lady stirring abroad at that hour was the Marquise d'Aiglemont, the mother of Mme. de Saint-Hereen, to whom the great house belonged. The Marquise had made over the mansion and almost her whole fortune to her daughter, reserving only an annuity for herself. The Comtesse Moina de Saint-Hereen was Mme. d'Aiglemont's youngest child.

Honoré de Balzac - A Woman of Thirty

She was on terms of intimate friendship with the Marquis de Vandenesse, the young man's father; and this friendship, a respectable one in the eyes of the world, excused the son's constant presence in the house, he professing an old attachment, dating from childhood, for Mme. de Saint-Hereen.

Honoré de Balzac - A Woman of Thirty

"It ought to be said, in justice to Mme. de Saint-Hereen, that her mother cannot feel the slightest difference," remarked a young married woman. "Mme. d'Aiglemont is admirably well housed. She has a carriage at her disposal, and can go everywhere just as she used to do " "Except to the Italiens," remarked a low voice.

Honoré de Balzac - A Woman of Thirty