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Updated: June 23, 2025
The duke explained Monsieur de la Billardiere's wishes. As soon as he learned the misfortune which had overtaken the godson of the Marquise d'Uxelles, Vandenesse went at once, accompanied by Monsieur de la Billardiere, to the Comte de Fontaine, begging Madame Birotteau to wait their return.
Madame de Mortsauf to the Vicomte Felix de Vandenesse: Felix, friend, loved too well, I must now lay bare my heart to you, not so much to prove my love as to show you the weight of obligation you have incurred by the depth and gravity of the wounds you have inflicted on it.
This was a well-intentioned ass, in short, who could see nothing in life but deeds and documents. Mme. de Aiglemont had been dining with M. de Vandenesse; her husband had excused himself before dinner was over, for he was taking his two children to the play.
Her genuine simplicity had not invented any other name for him; for one can't call up in cold blood that delightfully exaggerated language which love imparts to its victims in the midst of flames. Vandenesse, glad of this adorable reserve, kept his wife, by deliberate calculations, in the temperate regions of conjugal affection.
Perhaps Madame de Manerville had taken Vandenesse into the salon where his wife was talking with Nathan; perhaps he had come there himself to fetch Marie, and take her home; perhaps his conversation with his former flame had awakened slumbering griefs; certain it is that when his wife took his arm to leave the ball-room, she saw that his face was sad and his look serious.
With that charming feminine readiness which is never at fault, Mme. de Vandenesse seized a cross, sparkling on her neck, and directed his attention to it by a swift smile, full of meaning. The brilliance of the gem radiated even upon Raoul's forehead, and he replied with a look of joy; he had understood. "Is it nothing then, Eugenie," said the Countess, "thus to restore life to the dead?"
De Marsay with his wit and charm of manner was privileged to be insolent. From Mme. d'Espard's reception of this personage his importance was at once evident to Mme. de Bargeton. The second comer was a Vandenesse, the cause of the scandal in which Lady Dudley was concerned.
He was almost a personage. Rastignac, now out of power with the ministry, which went to pieces on the death of de Marsay, leaned upon Nathan, and gave him in return the warmest praise. Madame de Vandenesse, feeling this change in public opinion, was desirous of knowing if her husband's judgment had altered also.
The words brought Raoul to his senses, and he ceased to exhibit his irritation to the company. Madame d'Espard came up to offer him a cup of tea, and said loud enough for Madame de Vandenesse to hear: "You are certainly very amusing; come and see me sometimes at four o'clock." The word "amusing" offended Raoul, though it was used as the ground of an invitation. Blondet took pity on him.
"Ah!" cried Florine, "didn't I kill myself body and soul in the provinces to get him money, I, who'd have cut my hand off to serve him? But that's men! damn your soul for them and they'll march over you rough-shod! He shall pay me for this!" Madame de Vandenesse was disappearing with the letters. "Hi! stop, stop, my fine mask!" cried Florine; "leave me one to confound him with."
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