master is encrusted by time. Her hands seemed whiter; her shoulders
took on an exquisite fulness; her graceful, animated movements gave to
her supple figure its utmost charm.

The Limoges women accused her of being in love with Monsieur de
Grandville, who certainly paid her assiduous attention, to which
Veronique opposed all the barriers of a conscientious resistance. The
viscount professed for her one of those respectful attachments which
did not blind the habitual visitors of her salon. The priests and men
of sense saw plainly that this affection, which was love on the part
of the young man, did not go beyond the permissible line in Madame
Graslin. Weary at last of a resistance based on religious principle,
the Vicomte de Grandville consoled himself (to the knowledge of his
intimates) with other and easier friendships; which did not, however,
lessen his constant admiration and worship of the beautiful Madame
Graslin,--such was the term by which she was designated in 1829.

The most clear-sighted among those who surrounded her attributed the
change which rendered Veronique increasingly charming to her friends
to the secret delight which all women, even the most religious, feel
when they see themselves courted; and to the satisfaction of living at
last in a circle congenial to her mind, where the pleasure of
exchanging ideas and the happiness of being surrounded by intelligent
and well-informed men and true friends, whose attachment deepened day
by day, had dispersed forever the weary dulness of her life.

Perhaps, however, closer, more perceptive or sceptical observers were
needed than those who frequented the hotel Graslin, to detect the
barbaric grandeur, the plebeian force of the People which lay
deep-hidden in her soul. If sometimes her friends surprised her in a