These originalities (we use the provincial word) came from the
uneasiness that his conduct toward the Duchesse de Chaulieu which grew
daily less explainable, caused him. He knew he ought to write to her,
but could not resolve on doing so. All these fluctuations were
carefully remarked and commented on by the gentle American, and the
excellent Madame Latournelle, and they formed the topic of many a
discussion between these two ladies and Madame Mignon. Canalis felt
the effects of these discussions without being able to explain them.
The attention paid to him was not the same, the faces surrounding him
no longer wore the entranced look of the earlier days; while at the
same time Ernest was evidently gaining ground.
For the last two days the poet had endeavored to fascinate Modeste
only, and he took advantage of every moment when he found himself
alone with her, to weave the web of passionate language around his
love. Modeste's blush, as she listened to him on the occasion we have
just mentioned, showed the demoiselles d'Herouville the pleasure with
which she was listening to sweet conceits that were sweetly said; and
they, horribly uneasy at the sight, had immediate recourse to the
"ultima ratio" of women in such cases, namely, those calumnies which
seldom miss their object.
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