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Updated: June 11, 2025
In the dining-room, Count Martin-Belleme was doing the honors of his table with the good grace, the sad politeness, recently prescribed at the Elysee to represent isolated France at a great northern court. From time to time he addressed vapid phrases to Madame Garain at his right; to the Princess Seniavine at his left, who, loaded with diamonds, felt bored.
And Garain still shivered at the thought of his former colleague. Therese rose. Senator Loyer offered his arm to her, with the graceful attitude that he had learned forty years before at Bullier's dancing-hall. She left the politicians in the drawing-room, and hastened to meet Dechartre. A rosy mist covered the Seine, the stone quays, and the gilded trees.
Called to the Elysee the same morning, Garain had accepted the task of forming a cabinet. He was preparing, while taking breakfast, the combination which was to be submitted in the evening to the President. And, while they were discussing names, Therese was reviewing within herself the images of her intimate life.
That Loyer is a bad man, harsh to the unfortunate, to the weak, and to the humble. And Garain, don't you think his mind is disgusting? Do you remember the first time I dined at your house and we talked of Napoleon? Your hair, twisted above your neck, and shot through by a diamond arrow, was adorable. Paul Vence said subtle things. Garain did not understand. You asked for my opinion."
Monsieur Le Menil came to me and did me one of those good turns that one never forgets. He saved me from Monsieur Garain." The General, who knew the Annual Register, and stored away all useful information, pricked up his ears. "Garain," he asked, "the minister who was in the Cabinet when the princes were exiled?" "Himself. I was excessively agreeable to him.
And Garain still shivered at the thought of his former colleague. Therese rose. Senator Loyer offered his arm to her, with the graceful attitude that he had learned forty years before at Bullier's dancing- hall. She left the politicians in the drawing-room, and hastened to meet Dechartre. A rosy mist covered the Seine, the stone quays, and the gilded trees.
Madame Martin had at her right Garain the Deputy, formerly Chancellor, also President of the Council, and at her left Senator Loyer. At Count Martin-Belleme's right was Monsieur Berthier-d'Eyzelles. It was an intimate and serious business gathering. In conformity with Montessuy's prediction, the Cabinet had fallen four days before.
Garain, who was not cynical, made no answer. "Garain, do you not yet know," asked Count Martin, "whether with the Premiership you are to take the Seals or the Interior?" Garain replied that his decision would depend on the choice which some one else would make. The presence of that personage in the Cabinet was necessary, and he hesitated between two portfolios.
Her husband recalled her in every one of his letters. If, as he asked her to do, she returned to Paris in the first days of May, they might give two or three dinners, followed by receptions. His political group was supported by public opinion. The tide was pushing him along, and Garain thought the Countess Martin's drawing-room might exercise an excellent influence on the future of the country.
"It is true, it is very true," sighed General de La Briche, with tears in his eyes. Montessuy passed before them; Lariviere extended his hand to him. "They say, Montessuy, that you are the one who checked Garain. Accept my compliments." Montessuy denied that he had exercised any political influence. He was not a senator nor a deputy, nor a councillor-general.
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