By Honore De Balzac
Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley
DEDICATION
To Monsieur le Comte Georges Mniszech:
Some envious being may think on seeing this page illustrated by
one of the most illustrious of Sarmatian names, that I am
striving, as the goldsmiths do, to enhance a modern work with an
ancient jewel,—a fancy of the fashions of the day,—but you and a
few others, dear count, will know that I am only seeking to pay my
debt to Talent, Memory, and Friendship.