The Novels of Balzac (Volume 32) (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1900. Excerpt: ... II. THE MINORET PROPERTY. The action began with a scene so hackneyed in literature, whether old or new, that no one would believe in its effect in 1829 if the principal figure were not an old lady of Brittany, a Kergarouet, and an emigres. But it must at once be made clear that in 1829 the nobility had reconquered in society some of the ground it had lost in political influence. Moreover, the feeling which governs grandparents when matrimonial suitability is in question, is imperishable; it is closely implicated with the existence of civilized society, and founded in family spirit. It is supreme at Geneva as at Vienna, and as at Nemours, where Zelie Levrault had refused her consent to her son's marrying the daughter of a bastard. Still, every social law has its exceptions. Savinien proposed trying to bend his mother's pride before Ursule's innate nobility. The battle began forthwith. As soon as he was seated at table his mother began to tell him of the dreadful letters, as she called them, written to her by the Kergarouets, and the Portendueres. "The family has ceased t'o exist, my dear mother," replied Savinien. "Nothing is left but the individual. The nobility no longer forms a compact body. Nowadays no one asks if you are a Portenduere, or if you are brave, or a statesman; all that any one inquires is, 'How much do you pay in rates and taxes ?"' "And the King?" asked the old lady. "The King stands between the two Chambers, like a man between his lawful wife and his mistress. So I must contrive to marry some rich girf whatever her family may be--a peasant's daughter if she has a million of francs, and if she is (136) fairly well brought up; that is to say, if she comes from a convent-school." "This is quite another matter " said the old lady. Savinien knit his brows over...