第 13 节
作者:
幽雨 更新:2021-02-20 14:31 字数:1700
simplest women in society exact a certain amount of conventional sham
from the greatest men。 A noble love signifies nothing to them if rough
and unpolished; it needs the cutting and setting of a jeweller to give
it value in their eyes。
In January; 1842; the Comtesse Laginska; with her charm of gentle
melancholy; inspired a violent passion in the Comte de La Palferine;
one of the most daring and presumptuous lions of the day。 La Palferine
was well aware that the conquest of a woman so guarded by reserve as
the Comtesse Laginska was difficult; but he thought he could inveigle
this charming creature into committing herself if he took her
unawares; by the assistance of a certain friend of her own; a woman
already jealous of her。
Quite incapable; in spite of her intelligence; of suspecting such
treachery; the Comtesse Laginska committed the imprudence of going
with her so…called friend to a masked ball at the Opera。 About three
in the morning; led away by the excitement of the scene; Clementine;
on whom La Palferine had expended his seductions; consented to accept
a supper; and was about to enter the carriage of her faithless friend。
At this critical moment her arm was grasped by a powerful hand; and
she was taken; in spite of her struggles; to her own carriage; the
door of which stood open; though she did not know it was there。
〃He has never left Paris!〃 she exclaimed to herself as she recognized
Thaddeus; who disappeared when the carriage drove away。
Did any woman ever have a like romance in her life? Clementine is
constantly hoping she may again see Paz。
End