The late young man had become an old one; this human being, who, by the breaking-down of his spirit, had passed at once from fifty to ninety years of age, frightened society.

Besides, his secret was betrayed; he had waited and watched for Mademoiselle Cormon; he had, like a patient hunter, adjusted his aim for ten whole years, and finally had missed the game! In short, the impotent Republic had won the day from Valiant Chivalry, and that, too, under the Restoration! Form triumphed; mind was vanquished by matter, diplomacy by insurrection.

And, O final blow! a mortified grisette revealed the secret of the chevalier's mornings, and he now passed for a libertine.

The liberals cast at his door all the foundlings hitherto attributed to du Bousquier.

But the faubourg Saint-Germain of Alencon accepted them proudly: it even said, "That poor chevalier, what else could he do ?" The faubourg pitied him, gathered him closer to their circle, and brought back a few rare smiles to his face; but frightful enmity was piled upon the head of du Bousquier.