question, Balzac informs her that a woman of thirty, possessing three
or four hundred thousand francs, who would take a fancy to him,
would find him willing to marry her, provided she were gentle,
sweet-tempered and good-looking, although enormous sacrifices would be
imposed on him by this course. Several months later, he writes her
that if she can find a young girl twenty-two years of age, worth two
hundred thousand francs or even one hundred thousand, she must think
of him, provided the dowry can be applied to his business.

If the Vicomte de Spoelberch de Lovenjoul is correct in his statement,
Balzac showed Madame Carraud the first letter from _l'Etrangere_, in
spite of his usual extreme prudence and absolute silence in such
matters. She answered it, so another explanation of Balzac's various
handwritings might be given. At least, Madame Carraud's seal was used.

In later years, Madame Carraud met with financial reverses. The
following letter, which is the last to her on record, shows not only
what she had been to Balzac in his life struggle, but his deep
appreciation and gratitude:

"We are such old friends, you must not hear from any one else the
news of the happy ending of this grand and beautiful soul-drama
which has been going on for sixteen years. Three days ago I
married the only woman I have ever loved, whom I love more than
ever, and whom I shall love to my life's end. I believe this is
the reward God has kept in store for me through so many years of
neither a happy youth nor a blooming spring; I shall have the most
brilliant summer and the sweetest of all autumns. Perhaps, from
this point of view, my most happy marriage will seem to you like a
personal consolation, showing as it does that Providence keeps