him that marriage with Clorinde Balbi would only injure his prospects of political success.  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.  M. De Plouguern, who had originally met her in Italy, remained her lover for thirty years.  Son Excellence Eugene Rougon.

BALTHAZER, the old horse driven by Madame Francois between Nanterre and Paris.  Le Ventre de Paris.

BAMBOUSSE, mayor of the commune of Les Artaud, was more prosperous than the others of his class, as he owned several fields of corn, olives, and vines.  His daughter Rosalie having become compromised with Fortune Brichet, Abbe Mouret strongly urged him to consent to a marriage between them, but this he at first refused, as he would lose the services of his daughter, and Fortune was too poor to make him any return.  He ultimately consented, and the marriage was solemnized by Abbe Mouret.  La Faute de l’Abbe Mouret.

BAMBOUSSE (CATHERINE), younger daughter of the preceding, was always in disgrace with Brother Archangias on account of her idle habits and her friendship for Vincent Brichet.  La Faute de l’Abbe Mouret.

BAMBOUSSE (ROSALIE), elder daughter of the preceding.  As she had become compromised by Fortune Brichet, Abbe Mouret urged her father to consent to their marriage, but this he refused to do, though he ultimately consented and the wedding took place.  Her child died, and was buried on the same day as Albine.  La Faute de l’Abbe Mouret.

BAPTISTE, Aristide Saccard’s footman.  La Curee.

BAPTISTIN, a clerk in the employment of Larsonneau, who made him play the part of principal in a scheme whereby he intended to blackmail Aristide Saccard.  La Curee.

BAQUET (LA MERE), a wine dealer who sold the wines of Orleans at a cheap rate.  L’Assommoir.