Fashion accepted his ways and his appearance.

His borrowed republicanism gave him, for the time being, that Jansenist harshness assumed by the defenders of the popular cause, while they inwardly scoff at it,--a quality not without charm in the eyes of women.

Women like to perform prodigies, break rocks, and soften natures which seem of iron.
Raoul's moral costume was therefore in keeping with his clothes.

He was fitted to be what he became to the Eve who was bored in her paradise in the rue du Rocher,--the fascinating serpent, the fine talker with magnetic eyes and harmonious motions who tempted the first woman.

No sooner had the Comtesse Marie laid eyes on Raoul than she felt an inward emotion, the violence of which caused her a species of terror.