suppression of war in this old world, and its reconstruction on bases
other than those of conquest, which formerly feudalized it. From this
point of view the republicans came nearest to his idea. That is why he
lent them his arm in July, and was killed at Saint-Merri. Though
completely apart in opinion, he and I were closely bound together as
friends."

"That is noble praise for both natures," said Madame de Cadignan,
timidly.

"During the last four years of his life," continued Daniel, "he made
to me alone a confidence of his love for you, and this confidence
knitted closer than ever the already strong ties of brotherly
affection. He alone, madame, can have loved you as you ought to be
loved. Many a time I have been pelted with rain as we accompanied your
carriage at the pace of the horses, to keep at a parallel distance,
and see you--admire you."

"Ah! monsieur," said the princess, "how can I repay such feelings!"

"Why is Michel not here!" exclaimed Daniel, in melancholy accents.

"Perhaps he would not have loved me long," said the princess, shaking
her head sadly. "Republicans are more absolute in their ideas than we
absolutists, whose fault is indulgence. No doubt he imagined me
perfect, and society would have cruelly undeceived him. We are
pursued, we women, by as many calumnies as you authors are compelled
to endure in your literary life; but we, alas! cannot defend ourselves
either by our works or by our fame. The world will not believe us to
be what we are, but what it thinks us to be. It would soon have hidden