This law of life is the law of all arts, which exist only by contrasts.

A work done without this incentive is the loftiest expression of genius, just as the cloister is the highest expression of the Christian life.
On returning to his lodging from Lady Dudley's ball, Raoul found a note from Florine, brought by her maid, which an invincible sleepiness prevented him from reading at that moment.

He fell asleep, dreaming of a gentle love that his life had so far lacked.

Some hours later he opened the note, and found in it important news, which neither Rastignac nor de Marsay had allowed to transpire.

The indiscretion of a member of the government had revealed to the actress the coming dissolution of the Chamber after the present session.