“In the first place, if it be true, it is no slander, but simply a scandal-loving report. In the next place--for you did not allow me to finish what I was saying--the public does not assert that you have abandoned yourself to this passion. It represents you, on the contrary, as a virtuous but loving woman, defending yourself with claws and teeth, shutting yourself up in your own house as in a fortress; in other respects, as impenetrable as that of Danae, notwithstanding Danae’s tower was made of brass.” “You are witty, Marguerite,” said Madame de Belliere, angrily. “You always flatter me, Elise. In short, however, you are reported to be incorruptible and unapproachable. You cannot decide whether the world is calumniating you or not; but what is it you are musing about while I am speaking to you?” “I?” “Yes; you are blushing and do not answer me.” “I was trying,” said the marquise, raising her beautiful eyes brightened with an indication of growing temper, “I was trying to discover to what you could possibly have alluded, you who are so learned in mythological subjects, in comparing me to Danae.” “You were trying to guess that?” said Marguerite, laughing. “Yes; do you not remember that at the convent, when we were solving our problems in arithmetic--ah! what I have to tell you is learned also, but it is my turn--do you not remember, that if one of the terms were given, we were to find the other? Therefore do _you_ guess now?” “I cannot conjecture what you mean.” “And yet nothing is more simple. You pretend that I am in love, do you not?” “So it is said.” “Very well; it is not said, I suppose, that I am in love with an abstraction. There must surely be a name mentioned in this report.” “Certainly, a name is mentioned.” “Very well; it is not surprising, then, that I should try to guess this name, since you do not tell it.” “My dear marquise, when I saw you blush, I did not think you would have to spend much time in conjectures.” “It was the word Danae which you used that surprised me. Danae means a shower of gold, does it not?” “That is to say that the Jupiter of Danae changed himself into a shower of gold for her.” “My lover, then, he whom you assign me--” “I beg your pardon; I am your friend, and assign you no one.” “That may be; but those who are ill disposed towards me.” “Do you wish to hear the name?” “I have been waiting this half hour for it.” “Well, then, you shall hear it. Do not be shocked; he is a man high in power.” “Good,” said the marquise, as she clenched her hands like a patient at the approach of the knife. “He is a very wealthy man,” continued Marguerite; “the wealthiest, it may be. In a word, it is--” The marquise closed her eyes for a moment.