But the money! What was this political league and its aims to her?
For her limited education, that of a refined and expensive toy, she was ignorant of the laws and regulations governing even herself, and these laws were too subtly interwoven and inexorable for man alone to have formed them.

She did not suspect the great reasons of the State in setting them in motion to accomplish collective ends and destinies, whether they wrought good or evil to individuals.

Enough that they were necessary for a dynasty or a class; but in all cases, the rulers knew why they were made.
Little by little, but without loss of time, her perspicacity penetrated the disguises, although not to the motives that impelled the plotters.
She centered her thoughts on the old, white-locked pianist, who silently listened to all the parties and was tolerated even when the piano was closed; he was taciturn, always blandly smiling and bent in a servile bow.

Nevertheless, this was the principal of the conspirators and even the viscount-baron treated him with some deference as representing a formidable power.
One morning, Cesarine came over to the marchioness's and took advantage of the drawing-room being open to be aired, to open the piano and practice an aria which she had promised at the next soiree.

There was nothing but praise for her singing, and old, retired tenors and obese soprani had assured her that she had but to have one hearing in the Opera to be placed among the stars.