It was only a matter of justice that women should show their
appreciation thus, for Balzac rendered them a gracious service in
prolonging, by his enormous literary influence, the period of their
eligibility for being loved. This he successfully extended to thirty
years, even to forty years; with rare skill he portrayed the charm of
a declining beauty--as one might delight in the glory of a brilliant
autumn or of a setting sun. At the same time, and on the one hand, he
depicted the young girl of various types, and women of the working and
servant class. And since his own life is so reflected throughout his
work, it is of interest to become acquainted with the inner and
intimate side of his genius, which has left us some of the greatest
documents we possess concerning human nature.

Balzac knew many women, and to understand him fully one should study
his relations with them. If he has portrayed them well, it is because
he loved them tenderly, and was loved by many in return. These
feminine affections formed one of the consolations of his life; they
not only gave him courage but helped to soften the bitterness of his
trials and disappointments.

While an effort has been made in the following work to solve the
questions as to the identity of the _Sarah, Maria, Sofka,
Constance-Victoire, Louise, Caroline,_ and the _Helene_ of Balzac's
dedications, and to show the role each played, no attempt has here
been made to lift the tightly drawn veil which has so long enveloped
one side of Balzac's private life. Whoever wishes to do this may now
consult the recent publication of the late Vicomte de Spoelberch de
Lovenjoul, or the _Mariage de Balzac_ by the late Count Stanislas
Rzewuski. It is far more pleasant--even if the charges be untrue--to
think as did the late Miss K. P. Wormeley, that no supporting testimony