BAUDU (DENISE) was the daughter of a dyer at Valognes.  The death of her father left her with two young brothers dependent on her, and, the elder having got a situation in Paris, she determined to accompany him.  M. Baudu, her uncle, had formerly promised assistance, but when Denise arrived she found that his business was rapidly being ruined by the steady extension of “The Ladies’ Paradise,” an enormous drapery establishment belonging to Octave Mouret.  In these circumstances she could not be dependent on her uncle, and, to his annoyance, she applied for and got a situation in this rival business.  On account of petty jealousies, her life there was not happy, and, having incurred the enmity of Jouve, one of the inspectors, she was dismissed on a false accusation.  A time of great hardship followed, only lightened by the kindness of old Bourras, in whose house she had rented a room for herself and her young brother Pepe.  She next got a situation with Robineau, who had bought a silk merchant’s business and she remained there for some time.  While Denise was at “The Ladies’ Paradise” she had attracted the attention of Octave Mouret, and, chancing to meet her one day, he asked her to return.  As she found that Robineau’s business was not prospering, she consented, and from that time her position in “The Ladies’ Paradise” was assured.  Mouret had fallen in love with her, and she with him, but she had sufficient strength of mind to refuse his proposals.  Ultimately he asked her to marry him, and to this she agreed.  Au Bonheur des Dames.

Madame Denise Mouret had two children, the elder being a girl and the younger a boy.  These resembled their mother, and grew magnificently.  Le Docteur Pascal.

BAUDU (GENEVIEVE), daughter of Baudu, the draper.  She was engaged for a number of years to Colomban, her father’s shopman, but in consequence of the state of trade the marriage was put off from time to time.  Genevieve ultimately learned that her fiance had become infatuated with Clara Prunaire, one of the shop-girls in “The Ladies’ Paradise.”  Her health, never good, suffered greatly, and soon after Colomban’s disappearance she died.  Au Bonheur des Dames.

BAUDU (JACQUELINE).  See Blanche de Sivry.

BAUDU (JEAN), the elder brother of Denise.  He worked for a time with a cabinet-maker in Valognes, but earned nothing, though he learned to carve so well that a gentleman promised to find a place for him with an ivory-carver in Paris.  He accepted the offer, and came to the city with his sister and young brother.  At first he earned only his board and lodging, and, as he was good-looking and a favourite with women, he made heavy inroads on his sister’s small purse.  Ultimately, when he did get a wage, he took the earliest opportunity of getting married, inducing his sister, as usual, to give him what little money she had been able to save.  Au Bonheur des Dames.