It was after Balzac met Madame de Castries that one notes his extravagant tastes and love of display as shown in his horses and carriage, his extra servant, his numerous waistcoats, his gold buttons, his appearance at the opera with his wonderful cane, and his indulgence in rare pictures, old furniture, and bric-a-brac in general.

Induced to follow her to Aix, he continued his work, rising at five in the morning and working until half past five in the afternoon.  His lunch came from the circle, and at six o’clock, he dined with Madame de Castries, and spent the evening with her.  His intimacy with this illustrious family increased, and he accepted an invitation to accompany them to Italy, giving several reasons for this journey: 

“I am at the gates of Italy, and I fear to give way to the temptation of passing through them.  The journey would not be costly; I could make it with the Fitz-James family, who would be exceedingly agreeable; they are all perfect to me. . . .  I travel as fourth passenger in Mme. de Castries’ vetturino and the bargain—­which includes everything, food, carriages, hotels—­is a thousand francs for all of us to go from Geneva to Rome; making my share two hundred and fifty francs. . . .  I shall make this splendid journey with the Duke, who will treat me as if I were his son.  I also shall be in relation with the best society; I am not likely to meet with such an opportunity again.  M. de Fitz-James has been in Italy before, he knows the country, and will spare me all loss of time.  Besides this, his name will throw open many doors to me.  The Duchess and he are both more than kind to me, in every way, and the advantages of their society are great.”

From Aix they went to Geneva.  Just what happened here, we shall probably never know.  Suddenly abandoning the proposed trip, Balzac writes his mother: 

“It is advisable I should return to France for three months. . . .  Besides, my traveling companions will not be at Naples till February.  I shall, therefore, come back, but not to Paris; my return will not be known to any one; and I shall start again for Naples in February, via Marseilles and the steamer.  I shall be more at rest on the subjects of money and literary obligations.”

Later he alludes thus to his sudden departure from Geneva: 

“Mon Dieu, Mon Dieu! God, in whom I believe, owed me some sweet emotions at the sight of Geneva, for I left it disconsolate, cursing everything, abhorring womankind!  With what joy shall I return to it, my celestial love, my Eva!”

Thus was ended an ardent friendship of about eight months’ duration, for instead of rejoining the Duchesse de Castries in Italy Balzac’s first visit to that country was made many years later, and then in the delightful company of his “Polar Star.”

In speaking of this sudden breach, Miss M. F. Sandars says: