ilitary trophies which the wars of the Empire commended to the
affections of the Parisians; and the Greek helmets, the Roman crossed
daggers, and the shields so dear to military enthusiasm that they were
introduced on furniture of the most peaceful uses, had no fitness side
by side with the delicate and profuse arabesques that delighted Madame
de Pompadour.

Bigotry tends to an indescribably tiresome kind of humility which
does not exclude pride. Whether from modesty or by choice, Madame de
Granville seemed to have a horror of light and cheerful colors; perhaps,
too, she imagined that brown and purple beseemed the dignity of a
magistrate. How could a girl accustomed to an austere life have admitted
the luxurious divans that may suggest evil thoughts, the elegant and
tempting boudoirs where naughtiness may be imagined?

The poor husband was in despair. From the tone in which he approved,
only seconding the praises she bestowed on herself, Angelique understood
that nothing really pleased him; and she expressed so much regret at her
want of success, that Granville, who was very much in love, regarded her
disappointment as a proof of her affection instead of resentment for
an offence to her self-conceit. After all, could he expect a girl just
snatched from the humdrum of country notions, with no experience of the
niceties and grace of Paris life, to know or do any better? Rather would
he believe that his wife's choice had been overruled by the tradesmen
than allow himself to own the truth. If he had been less in love, he
would have understood that the dealers, always quick to discern their
customers' ideas, had blessed Heaven for sending them a tasteless little
bigot, who would take their old-fashioned goods off their hands. So he
comforted the pretty provincial.

"Happiness, dear Angelique, does not depend on a more or less elegant
piece of furniture; it depends on the wife's sweetness, gentleness, and
love."

"Why, it is my duty to love you," said Angelique mildly, "and I can have
no more delightful duty to carry out."

Nature has implanted in the heart of woman so great a desire to please,
so deep a craving for love, that, even in a youthful bigot, the ideas of
salvation and a future existence must give way to the happiness of early
married life. And, in fact, from the month of April, when they were
married, till the beginning of winter, the husband and wife lived
in perfect union. Love and hard work have the grace