Introduced by Mr. Jefferson and the letters he had brought with him, in an incredibly short time Mr. Morris was known and admired in every salon1 in Paris, and he stumped15 his way through them with that admirable savoir faire and sturdy self-respect, dashed with a wholesome17 conceit18, which made him assure Calvert one day that he "had never felt embarrassment19 or a sense of inferiority in any company in which he had ever found himself." It was soon evident that of all the salons of Paris where he was made welcome, the one most to his taste was that of the charming Madame de Flahaut; but wherever he went in that aristocratic society which claimed social preeminence20 over all others, this untitled gentleman from a new, almost unknown, country, was easily and quickly one of the most brilliant members. Utterly21 unawed by the splendid company in which he found himself, he valued it at its true worth and was keenly and amusingly observant of its pretensions22, its shams23, its flippancy24, its instability, its charm. Soon he had become as great a favorite as Mr. Jefferson himself, though winning his enviable position by qualities the very opposite of that gentleman's. Mr. Morris rivalled the Parisians themselves in caustic25 wit, perfect manners, and the thousand and one social graces of the time, while Mr. Jefferson captivated all by his democratic manners and entire indifference26 to social conventionality, much as the incomparable Dr. Franklin (whose originality27 and address in society were indeed sui generis and quite unrivalled) had before him.
But Mr. Morris was possessed28 of greater qualities than those necessary to make him shine in the vapid29, corrupt30 society of the fashionable world. He was a brilliant, yet sound, thinker, and his earnest convictions, his practical statesmanship, and his shrewd business abilities were quickly appreciated. Indeed, it was difficult to tell whether ladies of fashion or troubled statesmen found him most satisfactory. He could rhyme a delicate compliment for the one or draw up a plan to aid France's crippled revenues for the other, with equal dexterity32. His opinion was sought upon the weightiest matters, and, being unfettered by official obligations, as was Mr. Jefferson, he was free to give it, and soon became associated with some of the greatest gentlemen in the kingdom and intimately identified with many schemes for the strengthening of the monarchy33. For Mr. Morris, while a most ardent34 republican in his own country, was a royalist in France, convinced that a people, used from time immemorial to an almost despotic government, extremely licentious35, and by nature volatile36, were utterly unfitted for a republic. In many of the drawing-rooms where indiscriminate and dangerous republicanism was so freely advocated, he was held to be trop aristocrate. With amazing good-humor and keenness he attacked the closet philosophers and knocked over their feeble arguments like tenpins, urgently proclaiming that it was the duty and best policy for every son of France to hold up the king's hands and strengthen his authority. It was almost amusing to note the consternation37 his views caused among those who, knowing him to be a republican of republicans, a citizen of that country which had so lately and so gloriously won its civil liberty, had expected far different things from him. Indeed, he ran foul38 of many of the noblesse, with whom 'twas the fashion to be republicans of the first feather, and of none more completely than Monsieur le Marquis de Lafayette.
Monsieur de Lafayette, who had got himself elected from the noblesse in Auvergne, had come back to town in March and was a frequent caller at the Legation, having there a warm friend and ally in Mr. Jefferson. He was unaffectedly glad to see Calvert after such a lapse39 of time and to meet again Mr. Morris, whom he had also known in America. His admiration40 and respect for Mr. Morris's qualities were very great, and it was therefore with no little mortification41 and uneasiness that he noted42 that gentleman's disapprobation of the trend of public affairs and his own course of action. Indeed, Mr. Morris was seriously alarmed lest the glory which the young Marquis had won in America should be dimmed by his career in his own country. Believing in his high-mindedness and patriotism43, he yet questioned his political astuteness44 and his ability to guide the forces which he had so powerfully helped to set in motion by his call for the States-General. Fully45 alive to his great qualities, he yet deplored46 a certain indecision of character and an evident thirst for fame.
Something of all this Mr. Morris expressed to Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Calvert one evening when the Marquis had retired47 after an hour's animated48 conversation on the all-engrossing subject of politics, during which he had given the three gentlemen an account of his campaign in Auvergne. But Mr. Jefferson, being in entire sympathy with Lafayette's ideas, could not agree at all with Mr. Morris's estimate of him and would listen to no strictures on him, except, indeed, the imputation49 of ambition, which Mr. Jefferson acknowledged amounted to "a canine50 thirst for fame," as he himself wrote General Washington. Though Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Morris differed so widely respecting the Marquis's genius, Mr. Morris still clung to his opinion, so that Madame de Lafayette, with wifely jealousy51 and feminine intuition, perceiving something of his mental attitude toward her husband, received him but coldly when he called with Calvert to pay his respects at the h?tel on the Quai du Louvre. So marked was the disapproval52 of her manner, that Mr. Morris, being both amused and annoyed, could not forbear recounting his reception to Mr. Jefferson, who enjoyed a good laugh at his expense and, as it seemed to Calvert, took a certain satisfaction in his rebuff.
"She gave me the tips of her fingers to kiss," said Mr. Morris, laughing, "gazing over my head the while and smiling at this young gentleman, on whom she lavished53 every attention, though she had never a word for me!" and he sighed in mock distress54 and looked affectionately at Mr. Calvert. He had become very fond of the young gentleman in the few weeks they had been together in Paris, and was always anxious to introduce him to his acquaintances, of whom he already had an astonishing number. Mr. Jefferson, being busily occupied with public matters, insisted on Mr. Calvert's accepting Mr. Morris's good offices and, with his invariable kindness and thoughtfulness, made it appear, indeed, that the young gentleman was aiding him by thus assuming some of his social duties. He was secretly much gratified and pleased by the accounts which Mr. Morris gave of his successes.
"Why, 'tis almost indecent the way the women spoil him," that gentleman declared, laughingly, to Mr. Jefferson as they sat alone over their wine one evening after dinner at the Legation, Calvert having retired to finish the copying of some important letters to be despatched to Mr. Short, who was at Amsterdam. "Elles s'en raffolent, but Ned, incredible as it may seem, is far from being grateful for such a doubtful blessing55! His stoical indifference and unvarying courtesy to the fair sex are genuine and sublime56 and pique57 the women incredibly. Indeed, 'tis almost more than I can stand without laughing," went on Mr. Morris, "to see the manly58 forbearance with which he treats the advances of some of these grandes dames59, who think nothing of taking the initiative in a love-affair. Tis as rare as it is admirable here in Paris! Upon my word I thought he would have taken to his heels yesterday when we called on Madame de Flahaut, who, being at her toilet, invited us to her dressing-room! He left me to stump16 upstairs alone and receive a good rating from the Countess for not having kept him. He makes me feel very old and sinful," went on Mr. Morris, after a pause, and smiling ruefully at Mr. Jefferson on the other side of the table, "and I ought to dislike the boy heartily for it. But, in faith, I can't, and am beginning to be as fond of him as you yourself are."
"And, after all, he ought not to make us feel old," rejoined Mr. Jefferson, smiling, too. "For in spite of his youth there is nothing of immaturity61 in his character. 'Tis as firm and well-rounded as though he were fifty."
"I think he calls for a toast," says Mr. Morris, laughing, and filling up the glasses: "To an Old Head on Young Shoulders!"
In the early part of March, Mr. Short being still on his travels, and vexatious questions having arisen in connection with the Dutch loans, Mr. Jefferson determined62 to intrust their settlement to Calvert, and, accordingly, the young man set out for Amsterdam with scarce a day's notice of his journey. His embassy concerned the refusal of our bankers in Amsterdam (into whose hands Congress had placed all monies) to pay bills for the redemption of our captives, and the medals which Mr. Jefferson had contracted should be struck off for the foreign officers who had engaged in the revolution. This refusal placed the American Minister in a most embarrassing position. To his demands the Holland bankers replied that Congress had appropriated the money in their charge solely63 to the payment of the interest on the Dutch loan through the year 1790. As a failure to pay the interest on the loan would have been fatal to the credit and standing64 of the infant republic in the eyes of Europe, it was evident to Mr. Jefferson that a new loan would have to be set going to defray the new debts. This delicate and difficult project (for our credit was none of the best and the old loan had not all been taken up) he intrusted to Calvert, and so quickly and satisfactorily did the young man execute his commission that he was back again in Paris by the end of the month with reports highly gratifying to the American Minister.
"You have a better head for finances than even Mr. Hamilton, whose opinions are so much quoted in Congress," says Mr. Jefferson, with a smile. "I think no one could have conducted these affairs to a better issue. It has always been my opinion that your peculiar65 talents lay in the direction of finances, and now I am persuaded of it."
So delighted was Mr. Jefferson with Calvert's performance that he recounted the successful embassy to Mr. Morris, whose good opinion of Calvert was greatly increased, and, having always had a liking66 for the young man, he took occasion to see more than ever of him. He insisted on Calvert's accompanying him frequently into the great world of Paris where he himself was so welcome, and where, indeed, the young man's presence was also demanded on all sides—even by royalty67 itself in the person of Madame la Duchesse d'Orléans, whose acquaintance Mr. Morris had made in the apartments of Madame de Chastellux in the Palais Royal. Although accustomed to the company of the highest nobility, Mr. Morris was somewhat uncertain whether he would get along well with royalty, and would not have pursued the acquaintance begun by chance in Madame de Chastellux's salon had not the Duchess expressed her pleasure in his society in most unequivocal terms. Satiated with flattery, bored by the narrow circle in which she was forced to move, profoundly humiliated68 by the neglect and viciousness of her husband, she was charmed by the wit, independence, and true courtesy of the brilliant American. A daughter of the old Duc de Penthièvre, the embodiment of everything good in the ancien régime, the Duchess of Orléans was, herself, a woman of rare good sense, beauty, and tact69, all of which appealed strongly to Mr. Morris, so that the acquaintance begun so graciously on her part and so dubiously70 on his, soon ripened71 into real friendship.
"I never see her but I feel a throb72 of pity for her," declared Mr. Morris to Calvert. "'Twas a malignant73 fate that made her the wife of so dissolute a prince. She is very handsome—handsome enough to punish the duke for his irregularities, and she has, I think, the most beautiful arm in all Europe—of which she is properly vain! But what is a little vanity among so many virtues75?—for she is eminently76 virtuous77, though not averse78, I think, to seeking some consolation79 for her profound melancholy80, for—as she has confided81 to me—she feels 'le besoin d'être aimé,'" and he smiled a little cynically82, as men of the world are wont84 to smile at the confession85 of feminine weaknesses. As for Mr. Calvert, that confession brought no smile to his lips, and, though he said nothing, he felt a sudden rush of pity for the unhappy lady, neglected and unloved despite her great position. After all, duchesses are but women and must love and suffer and be content or miserable86 like common mortals, and men should be the last to blame them for that divine necessity of their beings—that of loving and being loved.
"She has heard much of you, Ned," went on Mr. Morris, "from Madame de Chastellux, from Lafayette, and lately from myself, and has expressed her desire to see you. I need not tell you that such a wish is a command and so you must even go and pay your respects to royalty, my boy," and he laughed as he clapped the young man on the shoulder.
That very evening Mr. Morris carried him off to the Palais Royal to the apartments of Madame de Chastellux, where he despatched a message to the Duchess to the effect that "Monsieur Morris, accompagné par11 Monsieur Calvert, visitent Madame la Duchesse d'Orléans chez Madame de Chastellux." After a few moments of waiting one of the Duchess's men came with the request that Madame de Chastellux should bring the two gentlemen to her apartments.
They found Her Royal Highness there surrounded by a small company. At her side was the Vicomte de Ségur, who was essaying by the witty88 sallies and delightful89 drolleries for which he was so famous to bring a smile to her lips; but, although the rest of the company was convulsed by his brilliant nonsense, the Duchess's pale face did not lose its serious expression until Mr. Morris, followed by Calvert, entered the room. Then, indeed, a smile of pleasure lighted up her countenance90, and it was with a most gracious cordiality that she welcomed both gentlemen.
"So this is your young compatriote, Monsieur, who vanquished91 Monsieur de St. Aulaire on the ice!" she said, looking at Mr. Morris and laughing with a certain malicious92 satisfaction. She extended to Calvert the famously beautiful hand and arm, from which the soft, black lace fell away, revealing its exquisite93 roundness and whiteness and over which Mr. Morris bent94 low in salutation. "We have heard of your prowess au patinage, Monsieur," she continued, glancing at Calvert, and then, without waiting for a reply, much to the young man's relief, who was somewhat embarrassed by so direct a compliment and, in truth, utterly weary of the whole subject, of which he heard continually, she turned and spoke95 to two young gentlemen half-concealed in the deep embrasure of a window. At her call they both came forward, the eldest96, the Duc de Chartres, who might have been sixteen years of age, laying down a violin on which he had been playing softly, and the younger, Monsieur de Beaujolais, who could not have been over thirteen, closing the book he had been reading.
"Mes fils," says the Duchess, softly, and smiling at Mr. Morris and Calvert with a sort of melancholy pride shining in her dark eyes. In truth, the young princes were good to look at, especially the little Monsieur de Beaujolais, who had a most animated and pleasing countenance. As they stood one on each side of their mother they made a pretty group. Perhaps 'twas the remembrance of that picture in after years which warmed Mr. Morris's heart to the exile in distress over the seas and made him a generous friend despite the royal ingratitude97.
"So she has saved something out of the wreck98 of her life," thought Mr. Calvert, pityingly, looking at the two youths. "'Tis doubly fortunate that they in nowise resemble their ignoble99 father," and he thought with disgust of that dissolute nobleman of whom he had heard so much. While these thoughts were passing through his mind the Duchess was speaking earnestly, to Mr. Morris.
"I ask your advice, Monsieur," she said, dismissing with a smile the two young gentlemen, who retired once more to their place at the window. "You, who seem to know so well how to breed heroes in your own country, can surely tell me how to bring up my sons to be an honor to their race!"
"Your Highness," returned Mr. Morris, after an instant's hesitation100, and deeply moved at such a mark of esteem101, "for Monsieur le Duc de Chartres, who, in the inscrutable workings of Providence102, may one day be king"—the Duchess started and turned pale—"there is but one course to follow, one education open. But for Monsieur de Beaujolais, why should he not lend his talents to business enterprises, to great commercial undertakings103 which make for the prosperity and stability of a country as surely as even its army or navy? Thus also will he create happiness for himself, because, if idle, at five and twenty, having enjoyed all that rank and fortune can give him, he will be unhappy from not knowing what to do with himself."
In spite of the democratic simplicity104 of the idea, the Duchess seemed impressed and listened attentively105 to Mr. Morris, who was about to explain more at length the advantages of such a career for the young prince, when the conversation was interrupted by the lackey106 at the door announcing the arrival of Madame la Comtesse de Flahaut.
At the name the Duchess threw a meaning look at Mr. Morris.
"Enfin! J'ai fait venir Madame de Flahaut ce soir. N'est ce pas que je suis aimable?" she said, laughing, and speaking rapidly.
Mr. Morris bowed low before Madame la Duchesse, succeeding perfectly107 in conveying by a look his appreciation108 without committing himself to anything more serious.
"And did Your Royal Highness also send for a substitute in case I prove wearying to Madame la Comtesse?" he asked, smiling, as he caught sight of a gentleman who had followed Madame de Flahaut into the room and who wore the ecclesiastical dress of a bishop109. Perhaps what most attracted Mr. Morris's notice was that he seemed a man of about his own age and, like himself, lame87. "Who is it?" he asked, in a low voice, as the two approached.
"Monsieur de Talleyrand-Périgord, Bishop of Autun, who, I understand, is in danger of losing his place in the affections of Madame on account of Monsieur Morris," returned the Duchess, hurriedly, and glancing mischievously110, though keenly, at Mr. Morris's face, which, however, preserved its expression of impassivity.
"Ah! place aux évêques!" murmured Mr. Morris, quietly.
Salutations and the presentation of Mr. Morris and Mr. Calvert having been made, the Bishop of Autun turned to the Duchess.
"Your Highness," he said, "I have come to beg a dinner."
"And we have brought our bread with us, that we may be sure of our welcome!" cried out Madame de Flahaut, with a little laugh. And indeed they had, for wheat was so scarce in Paris that it was the fashion for ladies and gentlemen to send their servants with bread when dining out.
"Monsieur l'évêque knows he is always welcome," said the Duchess, gently, and smiling at Madame de Flahaut. "Once our guest, always our guest."
In a little while the tutor of the young princes came in and took away his charges, and the company sat down to supper. It was one of Her Highness's little soupers intimes, which she gave each Thursday, and upon which Monsieur le Duc d'Orléans and his wild companions never intruded111. Though the company was small it was very gay, and it would have been hard to say who contributed most to the wit and sparkle of the talk which went on ceaselessly—Mr. Morris, Monsieur le Vicomte de Segur, or Monsieur de Boufflers, who, as usual, was present in the train of the beautiful Madame de Sabran. As for Mr. Morris, he was in the highest spirits and devoted112 himself with gallant113 courtesy to Madame la Duchesse d'Orléans, on whose left he sat, much to the evident pique of Madame de Flahaut. With that wonderful adaptability114 which made him at ease in any society in which he found himself, he adjusted himself to the company of the evening, and, being perfectly master of the French language, could not only understand the light talk and persiflage115, but even led in the conversation.
As for Mr. Calvert, having none of that adaptability possessed in so large a share by Mr. Morris, he felt himself out of his element, uninterested and therefore uninteresting, and he listened with inward irritation116 to the loose anecdotes117, the piquant118 allusions119, the coarse gossip, so freely bandied about. It was with something akin60 to a feeling of relief that he heard his name spoken and turned to find the keen, restless eyes of Monsieur de Talleyrand, beside whom he was seated, fixed120 upon him.
"Monsieur is not interested in the conversation?" he asked, and, though there was a mocking smile on the thin lips, there was also a kindly121 look in the brilliant eyes.
Calvert blushed hotly at being so easily found out by this worldly looking prelate. Monsieur de Talleyrand shrugged122 his shoulders. "'Tis a good sign, I think," and he looked still more kindly at Calvert. "You have been brought up amid simpler, purer surroundings, Mr. Calvert," he said, suddenly leaning over toward the young man and speaking in tones so low as to be drowned in the noisy conversation. "I envy you your good fortune," he went on. "I envy you your inability to fit yourself into any niche123, to adjust yourself to any surroundings, as your friend Monsieur Morris, for example, seems to have the faculty124 of doing. See, he is even making verses to Madame la Duchesse!"
Calvert looked over at Mr. Morris and saw him tear from his table-book a leaf upon which he had been writing and, with a bow, offer it to the Duchess.
"Are we not to hear Monsieur's verses?" demands Monsieur de Talleyrand, languidly, after a moment's silence, during which Her Highness had regarded the lines with a puzzled air, and smiling faintly.
"These are in English—I shall have to get Madame de Chastellux to translate them for me some day," and she folded the paper as if to put it away, but there arose such exclamations125 of disappointment, such gentle entreaties126 not to be denied the pleasure of hearing the verses, that she yielded to the clamor and signalled Madame de Chastellux her permission to have them read aloud. Amid a discreet127 silence, broken only by little murmurs128 of appreciation and perfumed applause, the lady of honor read the lines, translating them as she read:
"If Beauty so sweet in all gentleness drest,
In loveliness, virtue74 arrayed;
By the graces adorned129, by the muses130 carest,
By lofty ambition obeyed;
Ah! who shall escape from the gold-painted dart131,
When Orléans touches the bow?
Who the softness resist of that sensible heart
Where love and benevolence132 glow?
Thus we dream of the Gods who with bounty133 supreme134
Our humble135 petitions accord,
Our love they excite, and command our esteem
Tho' only at distance adored."
There was a ripple31 of applause, somewhat languid and perfunctory on the part of the gentlemen, vivacious136 and prolonged on the part of the ladies, as Madame de Chastellux finished. To Mr. Calvert the scene was a little ridiculous, the interest of the company, like the sentiment of the verses, somewhat artificial, and Mr. Morris's role of versifier to Madame la Duchesse decidedly beneath that gentleman's talents.
Monsieur de Talleyrand laughed softly. "'Other places—other customs,'" he said, and again reading Calvert's thoughts so accurately137 that that young gentleman scarce knew whether to be most astonished or indignant. It would most likely have been the latter had not a certain friendliness138 in the Bishop's glance disarmed139 his anger. "Mr. Morris is fortunate," he went on, quietly. "See—he has pleased everyone except Madame de Flahaut."
'Twas indeed as he had said, and, amid the applause and compliments, only Madame de Flahaut sat silent and evidently piqued140, her pretty face wearing an expression of bored indifference. But even while Monsieur de Talleyrand spoke, Mr. Morris, bending toward her, addressed some remark to her and in an instant she was all animation141 and charm, exerting for his benefit every fascination142 of which she was mistress, and showing him by glance and voice how greatly she prized his attentions. For a moment Mr. Calvert sat silent, contemplating143 the little play going on before his eyes, when, suddenly remembering the words of the Duchesse d'Orléans, he turned and looked at Monsieur de Talleyrand. Such a softening144 change had come over the cynical83, impassive countenance, so wistful a look into the keen, dark eyes bent upon Madame de Flahaut, as caused a feeling of pity in the young man's heart for this brilliant, unhappy, unrighteous servant of the Church.
"So Mr. Calvert has read my secret, as I read his," said Monsieur de Talleyrand, slowly, and returning the gaze which Calvert had absently fastened upon him while revolving145 these thoughts. Suddenly he began speaking rapidly, as if impelled146 thereto by some inward force, and, in a low but passionately147 intense voice, heard only by Mr. Calvert:
"We are the sport of fate in this country more than in any other, I think," he said. "I might have been a young man like yourself, as noble, good, and true as yourself—oh, do not look astonished! 'Tis one of my acknowledged talents—the reading of character—I, like yourself, might have fought and loved with honor but that I am lame, and why was I lame?" he went on, bitterly. "Because I never knew a mother's love or care, because, when a baby, being sent from my home—and under that roof I have never spent a night since—I fell and injured my foot, and the woman in whose charge I had been put, being afraid to tell my parents of my mishap148, the hurt was allowed to go uncorrected until 'twas too late. And so, being lame and unfit for a soldier's career, I was thrust into the Church, nolens volens. Monsieur Calvert," he said, smiling seriously, "when you hear Mr. Jefferson criticising the Bishop of Autun—for I know he thinks but slightingly of the ecclesiastic—recollect that 'twas the disappointed ambition and the unrelenting commands of Charles Maurice Talleyrand's parents which made him what he is! We are all like that," he went on, moodily149. "Look at de Ligne—he was married by his father at twenty to a young girl whom he had never seen until a week before the wedding. And Madame de Flahaut—at fifteen she was sacrificed to a man of fifty-five, who scarcely notices her existence!" He glanced across the table and again the power of love touched and softened150 his face for an instant. He rose—for the supper was finished and the company beginning to move—and laid his hand for an instant on Calvert's broad young shoulder. "Mr. Calvert," he said, half-mockingly, half-seriously, "do not be too hard upon us! There are some excuses to be made. In your country all things are new—your laws, your habits, your civilization are yet plastic. See that you mould them well! 'Tis too late here—we are as the generations have made us. 'Other places—other customs!'" and he went off limping.
To his dying day Mr. Calvert never forgot the fascination, the open frankness of Monsieur de Talleyrand's manner on that occasion, nor the look of sadness and suffering in his eyes. When he heard him in after years accused of shameless veniality151, of trickery, lying, duplicity, even murder, he always remembered that impulsive152 revelation—never repeated—of a warped153, unhappy childhood, of a perverted154 destiny.
Mr. Morris came to him later as he stood leaning against the wall behind the chair of Madame de Chastellux.
"How goes it, Ned?" he asked, half-laughing and stifling155 a yawn. "As for myself, I am getting confoundedly bored. I can't think of any more verses, so the ladies find me insipid156, and they are beginning to talk politics, of which they know nothing, so I find them ridiculous. They are already deep in the discussion of the Abbé Siéyès's brochure, 'Qu'est-ce que le Tiers état,' and Madame de Flahaut declares that his writings and opinions will form a new epoch157 in politics as those of Newton in physics! Can fatuity158 go farther? And yet she is the cleverest woman I have met in France. The men are as ignorant as the women, except that scoundrel of a bishop, who, like myself, is bored by the incessant159 talk of politics and has just assured me that no one has an idea of the charm of life who has not lived before this year of 1789. I can easily believe it. But perhaps he told you the same thing—I saw you two talking together at supper."
"Yes," said Calvert, "we were talking, but not of politics or the charm of life. He was very interesting and unexpectedly friendly," he added, with some emotion, for he was still under Monsieur de Talleyrand's spell.
"I would have thought him the last man to interest you, my young Bayard," returned Mr. Morris, with some surprise. "He appears to me to be a sly, cunning, ambitious man. I know not why conclusions so disadvantageous to him are formed in my mind, but so it is. I cannot help it."
Mr. Calvert could not repress a smile, for it occurred to him that it was more than possible that Monsieur de Talleyrand's well-known devotion to Madame de Flahaut (whom it was evident Mr. Morris admired greatly, though he so stoutly160 denied it) might have prejudiced his opinion of the Bishop. Mr. Morris was quick to note the smile and to divine its cause.
"No, no, my dear Ned," he said, laughing, "'tis not Monsieur de Talleyrand's connection with Madame de Flahaut which makes me speak of him after this fashion. Indeed, there is but a Platonic161 friendship between the fair lady and myself," and, still laughing, Mr. Morris turned away from Calvert and stumped his way back to the side of the lady of his Platonic affections, where he remained until the company broke up.
As for Mr. Calvert, in spite of Mr. Morris's predilections162, he was of the opinion that of the two—the unchurchly bishop and the pretty intrigante—Monsieur de Talleyrand was the more admirable character. Indeed, he had disliked and distrusted Madame de Flahaut from the first time of meeting her, and, to do the lady justice, she had disliked Mr. Calvert just as heartily and could never be got to believe that he was anything but a most unintelligent and uninteresting young man, convinced that his taciturnity and unruffled serenity163 before her charms were the signs of crass164 stupidity.
If Mr. Calvert found the pretty and vivacious Comtesse de Flahaut little to his taste, the society of which she was a type offended him still more. It had taken him but a short time to realize what shams, what hollowness, what corruption165 existed beneath the brilliant and gay surface. Amiability166, charm, wit, grace were to be found everywhere in their perfection, but nowhere was truth, or sincerity167, or real pleasure. All things were perverted. Constancy was only to be found in inconstancy. Gossip and rumor168 left no frailty169 undiscovered, no reputation unsmirched. Religion was scoffed170 at, love was caricatured. All about him Calvert saw young nobles, each the slave of some particular goddess, bowing down and doing duty like the humblest menial, now caressed171, now ill-treated, but always at beck and call, always obedient. It was the fashion, and no courtier resented this treatment, which served both to reduce the men to the rank of puppets and to render incredibly capricious the beauties who found themselves so powerful. All the virility172 of Calvert's nature, all his new-world independence and his sense of honor, was revolted by such a state of things. As he looked around the company, there was not a man or woman to be seen of whom he had not already heard some risque story or covert173 insinuation, and, though he was no strait-laced Puritan, a sort of disdain174 for these effeminate courtiers and a horror of these beautiful women took possession of him.
"Decidedly," he thought to himself, "I am not fitted for this society," and so, somewhat out of conceit with his surroundings, and the Duchess having withdrawn175, he bade good-night to the company without waiting for Mr. Morris, and took himself and his disturbed thoughts back to the Legation.
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salon
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| n.[法]沙龙；客厅；营业性的高级服务室 | |
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salons
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| n.（营业性质的）店( salon的名词复数 )；厅；沙龙（旧时在上流社会女主人家的例行聚会或聚会场所）；（大宅中的）客厅 | |
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stagnant
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| adj.不流动的，停滞的，不景气的 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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cavilled
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| v.挑剔，吹毛求疵( cavil的过去式 ) | |
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9
infinity
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| n.无限，无穷，大量 | |
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10
creditors
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| n.债权人，债主( creditor的名词复数 ) | |
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11
par
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| n.标准，票面价值，平均数量；adj.票面的，平常的，标准的 | |
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12
appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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13
intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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14
zest
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| n.乐趣；滋味，风味；兴趣 | |
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15
stumped
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| 僵直地行走，跺步行走( stump的过去式和过去分词 )； 把（某人）难住； 使为难； （选举前）在某一地区作政治性巡回演说 | |
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16
stump
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| n.残株，烟蒂，讲演台；v.砍断，蹒跚而走 | |
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17
wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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18
conceit
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| n.自负，自高自大 | |
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19
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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20
preeminence
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| n.卓越,杰出 | |
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21
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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22
pretensions
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| 自称( pretension的名词复数 )； 自命不凡； 要求； 权力 | |
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23
shams
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| 假象( sham的名词复数 )； 假货； 虚假的行为（或感情、言语等）； 假装…的人 | |
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24
flippancy
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| n.轻率；浮躁；无礼的行动 | |
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25
caustic
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| adj.刻薄的，腐蚀性的 | |
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26
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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27
originality
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| n.创造力，独创性；新颖 | |
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28
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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29
vapid
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| adj.无味的；无生气的 | |
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30
corrupt
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| v.贿赂，收买；adj.腐败的，贪污的 | |
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31
ripple
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|
| n.涟波，涟漪，波纹，粗钢梳；vt.使...起涟漪，使起波纹； vi.呈波浪状，起伏前进 | |
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32
dexterity
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| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
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33
monarchy
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| n.君主，最高统治者；君主政体，君主国 | |
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34
ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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35
licentious
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| adj.放纵的，淫乱的 | |
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36
volatile
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|
| adj.反复无常的，挥发性的，稍纵即逝的，脾气火爆的；n.挥发性物质 | |
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37
consternation
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| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
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38
foul
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|
| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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39
lapse
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| n.过失，流逝，失效，抛弃信仰，间隔；vi.堕落，停止，失效，流逝；vt.使失效 | |
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40
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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41
mortification
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| n.耻辱，屈辱 | |
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42
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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43
patriotism
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| n.爱国精神，爱国心，爱国主义 | |
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44
astuteness
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| n.敏锐；精明；机敏 | |
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45
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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46
deplored
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| v.悲叹，痛惜，强烈反对( deplore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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47
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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48
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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49
imputation
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| n.归罪，责难 | |
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50
canine
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| adj.犬的，犬科的 | |
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51
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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52
disapproval
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| n.反对，不赞成 | |
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53
lavished
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| v.过分给予，滥施( lavish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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54
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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55
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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56
sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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57
pique
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| v.伤害…的自尊心，使生气 n.不满，生气 | |
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58
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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59
dames
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| n.（在英国）夫人（一种封号），夫人（爵士妻子的称号）( dame的名词复数 )；女人 | |
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60
akin
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| adj.同族的，类似的 | |
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61
immaturity
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| n.不成熟；未充分成长；未成熟；粗糙 | |
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62
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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63
solely
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|
| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
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64
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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65
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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66
liking
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| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
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67
royalty
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| n.皇家，皇族 | |
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68
humiliated
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| 感到羞愧的 | |
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69
tact
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|
| n.机敏，圆滑，得体 | |
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70
dubiously
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| adv.可疑地，怀疑地 | |
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71
ripened
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| v.成熟，使熟( ripen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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72
throb
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| v.震颤，颤动；(急速强烈地)跳动，搏动 | |
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73
malignant
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|
| adj.恶性的，致命的；恶意的，恶毒的 | |
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74
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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75
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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76
eminently
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|
| adv.突出地；显著地；不寻常地 | |
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77
virtuous
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|
| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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78
averse
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|
| adj.厌恶的；反对的，不乐意的 | |
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79
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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80
melancholy
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|
| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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81
confided
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|
| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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82
cynically
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|
| adv.爱嘲笑地，冷笑地 | |
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83
cynical
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|
| adj.(对人性或动机)怀疑的，不信世道向善的 | |
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84
wont
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|
| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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85
confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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86
miserable
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|
| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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87
lame
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|
| adj.跛的，(辩解、论据等)无说服力的 | |
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88
witty
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|
| adj.机智的，风趣的 | |
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89
delightful
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|
| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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90
countenance
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|
| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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91
vanquished
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| v.征服( vanquish的过去式和过去分词 )；战胜；克服；抑制 | |
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92
malicious
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|
| adj.有恶意的，心怀恶意的 | |
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93
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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94
bent
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|
| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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95
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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96
eldest
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|
| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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97
ingratitude
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| n.忘恩负义 | |
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98
wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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99
ignoble
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|
| adj.不光彩的，卑鄙的；可耻的 | |
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100
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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101
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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102
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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103
undertakings
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| 企业( undertaking的名词复数 )； 保证； 殡仪业； 任务 | |
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104
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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105
attentively
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| adv.聚精会神地；周到地；谛；凝神 | |
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106
lackey
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| n.侍从；跟班 | |
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107
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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108
appreciation
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| n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨 | |
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109
bishop
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| n.主教，（国际象棋）象 | |
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110
mischievously
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| adv.有害地；淘气地 | |
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111
intruded
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| n.侵入的，推进的v.侵入，侵扰，打扰( intrude的过去式和过去分词 )；把…强加于 | |
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112
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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113
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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114
adaptability
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| n.适应性 | |
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115
persiflage
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| n.戏弄；挖苦 | |
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116
irritation
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| n.激怒，恼怒，生气 | |
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117
anecdotes
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| n.掌故，趣闻，轶事( anecdote的名词复数 ) | |
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118
piquant
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| adj.辛辣的，开胃的，令人兴奋的 | |
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119
allusions
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| 暗指，间接提到( allusion的名词复数 ) | |
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120
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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121
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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122
shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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123
niche
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| n.壁龛；合适的职务(环境、位置等) | |
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124
faculty
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| n.才能；学院，系；(学院或系的)全体教学人员 | |
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125
exclamations
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| n.呼喊( exclamation的名词复数 )；感叹；感叹语；感叹词 | |
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126
entreaties
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| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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127
discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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128
murmurs
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| n.低沉、连续而不清的声音( murmur的名词复数 )；低语声；怨言；嘀咕 | |
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129
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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130
muses
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的第三人称单数 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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131
dart
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| v.猛冲，投掷；n.飞镖，猛冲 | |
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132
benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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133
bounty
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| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
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134
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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135
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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vivacious
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| adj.活泼的，快活的 | |
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137
accurately
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| adv.准确地，精确地 | |
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138
friendliness
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| n.友谊，亲切，亲密 | |
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139
disarmed
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| v.裁军( disarm的过去式和过去分词 )；使息怒 | |
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piqued
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| v.伤害…的自尊心( pique的过去式和过去分词 )；激起（好奇心） | |
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animation
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| n.活泼，兴奋，卡通片／动画片的制作 | |
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142
fascination
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| n.令人着迷的事物，魅力，迷恋 | |
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143
contemplating
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| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的现在分词 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
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144
softening
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| 变软，软化 | |
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revolving
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| adj.旋转的，轮转式的；循环的v.（使）旋转( revolve的现在分词 )；细想 | |
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146
impelled
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| v.推动、推进或敦促某人做某事( impel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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147
passionately
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| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
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148
mishap
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| n.不幸的事，不幸；灾祸 | |
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moodily
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| adv.喜怒无常地；情绪多变地；心情不稳地；易生气地 | |
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softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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151
veniality
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| n.可宽恕性 | |
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152
impulsive
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| adj.冲动的，刺激的；有推动力的 | |
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153
warped
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| adj.反常的；乖戾的；（变）弯曲的；变形的v.弄弯，变歪( warp的过去式和过去分词 )；使（行为等）不合情理，使乖戾， | |
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154
perverted
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| adj.不正当的v.滥用( pervert的过去式和过去分词 )；腐蚀；败坏；使堕落 | |
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155
stifling
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| a.令人窒息的 | |
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156
insipid
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| adj.无味的，枯燥乏味的，单调的 | |
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epoch
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| n.(新)时代；历元 | |
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158
fatuity
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| n.愚蠢，愚昧 | |
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159
incessant
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| adj.不停的，连续的 | |
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stoutly
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| adv.牢固地，粗壮的 | |
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161
platonic
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| adj.精神的；柏拉图（哲学）的 | |
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162
predilections
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| n.偏爱，偏好，嗜好( predilection的名词复数 ) | |
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serenity
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| n.宁静，沉着，晴朗 | |
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crass
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| adj.愚钝的，粗糙的；彻底的 | |
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corruption
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| n.腐败，堕落，贪污 | |
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166
amiability
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| n.和蔼可亲的，亲切的，友善的 | |
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sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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168
rumor
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| n.谣言，谣传，传说 | |
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169
frailty
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| n.脆弱；意志薄弱 | |
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170
scoffed
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| 嘲笑，嘲弄( scoff的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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171
caressed
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| 爱抚或抚摸…( caress的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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172
virility
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| n.雄劲，丈夫气 | |
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173
covert
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| adj.隐藏的；暗地里的 | |
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174
disdain
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| n.鄙视，轻视；v.轻视，鄙视，不屑 | |
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withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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