dedicated some of his happiest inspirations, and whose voice he so
loved that he requested her to sing while he was dying. Her box at the
opera was near Balzac's so that he saw her frequently, and dined with
her, but did not admire her.


MARIA--HELENE--LOUISE

"To Maria:

"May your name, that of one whose portrait is the noblest ornament
of this work, lie on its opening page like a branch of sacred box,
taken from an unknown tree, but sanctified by religion, and kept
ever fresh and green by pious hand to protect the home.

"DE BALZAC."

Just who is the "Maria" to whom the dedication of _Eugenie Grandet_ is
addressed is a question that in the opinion of the present writer has
never been satisfactorily answered. The generally accepted answer is
that of Spoelberch de Lovenjoul, who thought that "Maria" was the girl
whom Balzac described as a "poor, simple and delightful _bourgeoise,
. . . the most naive creature that ever was, fallen like a flower from
heaven," and who said to Balzac: "Love me a year, and I will love you
all my life."

Even admitting that this much disputed letter of October 12, 1833, was
written by Balzac, though it does not bear his signature, the name
"Maria" does not appear in it, so it is no proof that she is the woman
to whom Balzac dedicated one of his greatest and probably the most