The Deserted Woman

"The Deserted Woman" by Honoré de Balzac

The Vicomtesse de Beauséant as a woman is used to being the embodiment of elegance, beauty, and Parisian taste. However, out of love for a marquis who abandoned her, she sacrifices her comfort and her brilliant life. Out of humiliation, she is forced to retire to the countryside. It is there that she meets the young Gaston de Nueil, who immediately falls under her spell.