cutlets, and afterwards asparagus.

The conversation began with some mention of Janville.

"And so your children are in good health? Oh! they are very fine children
indeed. And you really like the country? How funny! I think I should feel
dreadfully bored there, for there is too great a lack of amusements. Why,
yes, we shall be delighted to go to see you there, since Madame Froment
is kind enough to invite us."

Then, as was bound to happen, the talk turned on the Beauchenes. This was
a subject which haunted the Moranges, who lived in perpetual admiration
of the Beauchenes, though at times they covertly criticised them. Valerie
was very proud of being privileged to attend Constance's Saturday
"at-homes," and of having been twice invited to dinner by her during the
previous winter. She on her side now had a day of her own, Tuesday, and
she even gave little private parties, and half ruined herself in
providing refreshments at them. As for her acquaintances, she spoke with
profound respect of Mme. Seguin du Hordel and that lady's magnificent
mansion in the Avenue d'Antin, for Constance had obligingly obtained her
an invitation to a ball there. But she was particularly vain of the
friendship of Beauchene's sister, Seraphine, whom she invariably called
"Madame la Baronne de Lowicz."

"The Baroness came to my at-home one afternoon," she said. "She is so
very good-natured and so gay! You knew her formerly, did you not? After
her marriage, eh? when she became reconciled to her brother and their
wretched disputes about money matters were over. By the way, she has no
great liking for Madame Beauchene, as you must know."