The Physiology of Marriage, Part 2

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Honoré de Balzac. The Physiology of Marriage, Part 2

MEANS OF DEFENCE, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR

MEDITATION X

MEDITATION XI

MEDITATION XII

MEDITATION XIII

MEDITATION XIV

MEDITATION XV

MEDITATION XVI

MEDITATION XVII

1. TWIN BEDS. 2. SEPARATE ROOMS. 3. ONE BED FOR BOTH

1. TWIN BEDS

2. SEPARATE ROOMS

3. ONE BED FOR BOTH

MEDITATION XVIII

MEDITATION XIX

MEDITATION XX

1. OF MOUSE-TRAPS. 2. OF CORRESPONDENCE. 3. OF SPIES. 4. THE INDEX. 5. OF THE BUDGET. 1. OF MOUSE-TRAPS

2. OF CORRESPONDENCE

3. OF SPIES

4. THE INDEX

5. OF THE BUDGET

MEDITATION XXI

MEDITATION XXII

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When a man reaches the position in which the first part of this book sets him, we suppose that the idea of his wife being possessed by another makes his heart beat, and rekindles his passion, either by an appeal to his amour propre, his egotism, or his self-interest, for unless he is still on his wife's side, he must be one of the lowest of men and deserves his fate.

In this trying moment it is very difficult for a husband to avoid making mistakes; for, with regard to most men, the art of ruling a wife is even less known than that of judiciously choosing one. However, marital policy consists chiefly in the practical application of three principles which should be the soul of your conduct. The first is never to believe what a woman says; the second, always to look for the spirit without dwelling too much upon the letter of her actions; and the third, not to forget that a woman is never so garrulous as when she holds her tongue, and is never working with more energy than when she keeps quiet.

.....

"I had seen the flowers!"

I shall never forget the lively gesture and the eager joy with which, like a cat which lays its spotted paw upon a mouse, the little woman seized the three bank notes; she rolled them up blushing with pleasure, and put them in the place of the violets which before had perfumed her bosom. I could not help thinking about my old mathematical master. I did not then see any difference between him and his pupil, than that which exists between a frugal man and a prodigal, little thinking that he of the two who seemed to calculate the better, actually calculated the worse. The luncheon went off merrily. Very soon, seated in a little drawing-room newly decorated, before a cheerful fire which gave warmth and made our hearts expand as in spring time, I felt compelled to make this loving couple a guest's compliments on the furnishing of their little bower.

.....