Carrier-Belleuse, and M. de Montzaigle are the only living
relatives of Balzac. Mme. Belleuse and M. de Montzaigle have each
a little daughter.


MADAME SALLAMBIER--MADAME DE MONTZAIGLE--MADAME DE BRUGNOLLE
--MADAME DELANNOY--MADAME DE POMMEREUL--MADAME DE MARGONNE

"Ah we are fine specimens in this blessed family of ours! What a
pity we can't put ourselves into novels."

Another member of Balzac's family circle was his affectionate and
amiable grandmother, whom he loved from childhood. After her husband's
death, Madame Sallambier lived with her daughter, Madame de Balzac.
She seems to have had a kind disposition, and having the requisite
means, she could indulge Honore in various ways. When he was brought
back from _college_ in wretched health, she condemned the schools for
their neglect.

While studying at home, Balzac frequently spent his evenings playing
whist or Boston with her. Through voluntary inattention or foolish
plays, she allowed him to win money which he used to buy books.
Throughout his life he loved these games in memory of her. She
encouraged him in his writings, and when _L'Heritiere de Birague_ was
sold for eight hundred francs, he was sure of the sale of the _first_
copy, for she had promised to buy it. He was devoted to her, and when
he had neglected writing to her for some time, he atoned by sending to
her a most affectionate letter.

After the marriage of his sister Laure, Balzac kept her informed in