The Muse of the Department
THE MUSE OF THE DEPARTMENT BY HONORE DE BALZAC Translated by James Waring DEDICATION To Monsieur le Comte Ferdinand de Gramont. MY DEAR FERDINAND,--If the chances of the world of literature --_habent sua fata libelli_--should allow these lines to be an
"Louise, you have been learning Spanish from an ex-minister and a man
condemned to death."
"The Duc de Soria," I said.
"Duke!" replied my father. "No, he is not that any longer; he takes
the title now of Baron de Macumer from a property which still remains
to him in Sardinia. He is something of an original, I think."
"Don't brand with that word, which with you always implies some
mockery and scorn, a man who is your equal, and who, I believe, has a
noble nature."
"Baronne de Macumer?" exclaimed my father, with a laughing glance at
me.
Pride kept my eyes fixed on the table.
"But," said my mother, "Henarez must have met the Spanish ambassador
on the steps?"
"Yes," replied my father, "the ambassador asked me if I was conspiring
against the King, his master; but he greeted the ex-grandee of Spain
with much deference, and placed his services at his disposal."
All this, dear, Mme. de l'Estorade, happened a fortnight ago, and it
THE MUSE OF THE DEPARTMENT BY HONORE DE BALZAC Translated by James Waring DEDICATION To Monsieur le Comte Ferdinand de Gramont. MY DEAR FERDINAND,--If the chances of the world of literature --_habent sua fata libelli_--should allow these lines to be an