But, being there, and having seen the boudoir so coquettishly decorated that it might almost be said the least particle of dust had but the moment before been removed by the servants; having observed the drawing-room, so perfectly arranged that it might almost be said her presence there had driven away the fairies who were its occupants, she asked herself if the glance or gaze of those whom she had displaced--whether spirits, fairies, elves, or human creatures--had not already recognized her.

To secure success, it was necessary that some steps should be seriously taken, and it was necessary also that the superintendent should comprehend the serious position in which he was placed, in order to yield compliance with the generous fancies of a woman; all the fascinations of an eloquent friendship would be required to persuade him, and, should this be insufficient, the maddening influence of a devoted passion, which, in its resolute determination to carry conviction, would not be turned aside.

Was not the superintendent, indeed, known for his delicacy and dignity of feeling?
Would he allow himself to accept from any woman that of which she had stripped herself?
No! He would resist, and if any voice in the world could overcome his resistance, it would be the voice of the woman he loved.
Another doubt, and that a cruel one, suggested itself to Madame de Belliere with a sharp, acute pain, like a dagger thrust.

Did he really love her?
Would that volatile mind, that inconstant heart, be likely to be fixed for a moment, even were it to gaze upon an angel?
Was it not the same with Fouquet, notwithstanding his genius and his uprightness of conduct, as with those conquerors on the field of battle who shed tears when they have gained a victory?
"I must learn if it be so, and must judge of that for myself," said the marquise.

"Who can tell whether that heart, so coveted, is not common in its impulses, and full of alloy?
Who can tell if that mind, when the touchstone is applied to it, will not be found of a mean and vulgar character?
Come, come," she said, "this is doubting and hesitation too much--to the proof," she said, looking at the timepiece.