The many lives that stirred amid this tumult were, however, divided into parts, classed as distinct pictures.

Emma perceived only two or three that hid from her all the rest, and in themselves represented all humanity.

The world of ambassadors moved over polished floors in drawing rooms lined with mirrors, round oval tables covered with velvet and gold-fringed cloths.

There were dresses with trains, deep mysteries, anguish hidden beneath smiles.

Then came the society of the duchesses; all were pale; all got up at four o'clock; the women, poor angels, wore English point on their petticoats; and the men, unappreciated geniuses under a frivolous outward seeming, rode horses to death at pleasure parties, spent the summer season at Baden, and towards the forties married heiresses.