This appointment, we repeat, will be an act of justice and good policy; consequently we may be sure it will not be made." On the morrow, Friday, the usual day for the dinner given by Madame Rabourdin, whom des Lupeaulx had left at midnight, radiant in beauty, on the staircase of the Bouffons, arm in arm with Madame de Camps (Madame Firmiani had lately married), the old roue awoke with his thoughts of vengeance calmed, or rather refreshed, and his mind full of a last glance exchanged with Celestine.
"I'll make sure of Rabourdin's support by forgiving him now,--I'll get even with him later.

If he hasn't this place for the time being I should have to give up a woman who is capable of becoming a most precious instrument in the pursuit of high political fortune.

She understands everything; shrinks from nothing, from no idea whatever!--and besides, I can't know before his Excellency what new scheme of administration Rabourdin has invented.

No, my dear des Lupeaulx, the thing in hand is to win all now for your Celestine.

You may make as many faces as you please, Madame la comtesse, but you will invite Madame Rabourdin to your next select party." Des Lupeaulx was one of those men who to satisfy a passion are quite able to put away revenge in some dark corner of their minds.