This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 Excerpt: ...upon the arm of your lawyer? Or, if you are recognized seated by the side of Madam Marcel Thierry, what will they say?" "Let them say what they choose. They will be very foolish to see anything wrong in that." "I agree with you, but people are very foolish, and they will say that you are in low company; nay, more, I have softened the word out of respect for my wife. They will say that you are in bad company." "It is abominable, that people should be so foolish Your wife is a very amiable woman, I have been told, and is very highly thought of. 1 will call upon her tomorrow, for I know that it would not be polite to go to her box without ceremony, and without asking her permission beforehand. Yes, I must make her acquaintance; and then, some time, we will go to the theatre together." Marcel smiled, for he understood perfectly well the feeling of cowardice that had taken possession of his noble client at the idea of being accused of associating with bad company. She considered the opinion of the world cruel, unjust, insolent and absurd; but she was afraid of it, nevertheless, and fear does not reason. "You are perfectly right," Marcel replied. "I recognize your delicacy and good heart in all that you say. My wife will thank you for your kind intentions, and, from this evening, will be flattered to offer you her box; but take my advice, countess, and do not leave your own circle, either this evening, or to-morrow, or at any time; at all events, unless you have some very good reason, well considered and well matured, for doing so. Eat if you are hungry, but do not force yourself to eat to gratify a caprice. The world to which you belong wishes to be exclusive, and you ought not to defy, it, unless to obtain some ...