Such qualities, useful and appropriate in a sovereign or an ambassadress, were of little service to a household compelled to jog in the common round.

Those who have the gift of speaking well desire an audience; they like to talk, even if they sometimes weary others.

To satisfy the requirements of her mind Madame Rabourdin took a weekly reception-day and went a great deal into society to obtain the consideration her self-love was accustomed to enjoy.

Those who know Parisian life will readily understand how a woman of her temperament suffered, and was martyrized at heart by the scantiness of her pecuniary means.

No matter what foolish declarations people make about money, they one and all, if they live in Paris, must grovel before accounts, do homage to figures, and kiss the forked hoof of the golden calf.