He suggested to her that she should marry his friend
Delestang, who was a man of wealth and position, and had expressed
admiration for her. Though naturally piqued at such a suggestion coming
from Rougon, she consented, and soon after was married. She remained on
outwardly friendly terms with Rougon, who was still infatuated by her,
but was determined to make him regret the slight he had put upon her.
After Rougon's return to office, Delestang, her husband, was, at her
request, appointed Minister of Commerce and Agriculture. She had not,
however, forgiven Rougon, and privately took a leading part in the
agitation against his administration. Having become on somewhat
equivocal terms with the Emperor, she was able to secure the acceptance
of Rougon's second resignation, and the office of Minister of the
Interior for her husband. Son Excellence Eugene Rougon.
BALBI (COMTESSE LENORA), an Italian lady who lived in Paris with her
daughter Clorinde. Little was known of her past, and it was generally
believed that she was in the employment of the Sardinian Government.
After her daughter's marriage to Delestang, she left Paris for some
time, the eccentricity of her habits having begun to excite remark.
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