But
having resolved to appear a dupe, she concealed her real feelings
under an air of surprise, and was astonished and even ashamed to
find that she could dissemble so well.
"Besides," continued Madame de Fondege, "a marriageable young girl
should never shut herself up like a nun. She will never find a
husband if she remains at home--and she must marry. Indeed,
marriage is a sensible woman's only object in life, since it is
her emancipation."
Was Madame de Fondege going to plead her son's cause? Mademoiselle
Marguerite almost believed it--but the lady was too shrewd for
that. She took good care not to mention as much as Lieutenant
Gustave's name.
"The season will certainly be unusually brilliant," she said, "and
it will begin very early. On the fifth of November, the Countess
de Commarin will give a superb fete; all Paris will be there. On
the seventh, there will be a ball at the house of the Viscountess
de Bois d'Ardon. On the eleventh, there will be a concert,
followed by a ball, at the superb mansion of the Baroness
Trigault--you know--the wife of that strange man who spends all
his time in playing cards."
"This is the first time I ever heard the name mentioned."
"Really! and you have been living in Paris for years. It seems
incomprehensible. You must know then, my dear little ignoramus,
that the Baroness Trigault is one of the most distinguished ladies
in Paris, and certainly the best dressed.
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