One character in this novel poses as Delilah for the Polish sculptor Wenceslas Steinbock, and other characters include the naively virtuous Adeline, who is married to Hector Hulot.
One digression in this novel compares the work of a sculptor to the paintings of Raphael, and another calls a certain character a "Machiavelli in a petticoat" because she is a courtesan with a semblance of virtue. That character pretends to go for a walk in the Tuileries so that the Baron does not know that she is with his rival, who has never forgiven him for stealing JosÃ©pha from him. Baron Montes, known as the Brazilian, is one suitor of ValÃ©rie, and he ultimately poisons both ValÃ©rie and her husband out of jealousy. One character in this novel poses as Delilah for the Polish sculptor Wenceslas Steinbock, and other characters include the naively virtuous Adeline, who is married to Hector Hulot. The title character of this novel is a member of the Fischer family, and she schemes to destroy her extended family. For 10 points, name this novel by HonorÃ© de Balzac whose companion novel is called Cousin Pons.
One digression in this novel compares the work of a sculptor to the paintings of Raphael, and another calls a certain character a "Machiavelli in a petticoat" because she is a courtesan with a semblance of virtue.
Cousin Bette [or La Cousine Bette]