whom I have never seen or listened to without gaining some
benefit, you who have the courage to aid me in tearing up the evil
weeds from my field, you who encourage me to perfect myself, you
who resemble so much that angel to whom I owe everything; in
short, you who are so good towards my ill-doings. I alone know how
quickly I turn to you. I have recourse to your encouragements,
when some arrow has wounded me; it is the wood-pigeon regaining
its nest. I bear you an affection which resembles no other, and
which can have no rival, because it is alone of its kind. It is so
bright and pleasant near you! From afar, I can tell you, without
fear of being put to silence, all I think about your mind, about
your life. No one can wish more earnestly that the road be smooth
for you. I should like to send you all the flowers you love, as I
often send above your head the most ardent prayers for your
happiness."

Balzac's friendship with Madame Zulma Carraud was not only of the
purest and most beautiful nature, but it lasted longer than his
friendship with any other woman, terminating only with his death. It
was even more constant than that with his sister Laure, which was
broken at times. Though Madame Surville states that it began in 1826,
the following passage shows an earlier date: "I embrace you, and press
you to a heart devoted to you. A friendship as true and tender now in
1838 as in 1819. Nineteen years!" The first letter to her in either
edition of his correspondence, however, is dated 1826.

Madame Carraud, as Zulma Tourangin, attended the same convent as
Balzac's sister Laure. Her husband was a distinguished officer in the
artillery and a man of learning, but absolutely lacking in ambition,
preferring to direct the instruction of Saint-Cyr rather than to risk