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simplest women in society exact a certain amount of conventional sham
from the greatest men。 A noble love signifies nothing to them if rough
and unpolished； it needs the cutting and setting of a jeweller to give
it value in their eyes。
In January； 1842； the Comtesse Laginska； with her charm of gentle
melancholy； inspired a violent passion in the Comte de La Palferine；
one of the most daring and presumptuous lions of the day。 La Palferine
was well aware that the conquest of a woman so guarded by reserve as
the Comtesse Laginska was difficult； but he thought he could inveigle
this charming creature into committing herself if he took her
unawares； by the assistance of a certain friend of her own； a woman
already jealous of her。
Quite incapable； in spite of her intelligence； of suspecting such
treachery； the Comtesse Laginska committed the imprudence of going
with her so…called friend to a masked ball at the Opera。 About three
in the morning； led away by the excitement of the scene； Clementine；
on whom La Palferine had expended his seductions； consented to accept
a supper； and was about to enter the carriage of her faithless friend。
At this critical moment her arm was grasped by a powerful hand； and
she was taken； in spite of her struggles； to her own carriage； the
door of which stood open； though she did not know it was there。
〃He has never left Paris！〃 she exclaimed to herself as she recognized
Thaddeus； who disappeared when the carriage drove away。
Did any woman ever have a like romance in her life？ Clementine is
constantly hoping she may again see Paz。
End