When Valmont returned from his own vineyard, whither he had gone that morning, he inquired of his wife, “who had been elected amongst the villagers to stand for Rosiere.” Margoton told him with pride of their two children being selected, with Felicie Durand, a girl well worthy, she owned, to be chosen with her own daughters.
Durocher, with more coarseness than his wife, upbraided Victorine for not striving for the rose with her sisters. “Were you but cured of your folly, child,” he said, “there is no doubt of your success as Rosiere, for you are a great favourite, Victorine, notwithstanding your heresy.”
Victorine could have asked, had she thought it right, if it might not be this very heresy which made her beloved. She had been taught by her aunt Pauline to seek after peace, and to pursue it, for such is well-pleasing in the eyes of our God. And that person who strives not with his neighbour, who is content with his own situation, and willing to give way in what is right to others,
will most probably, if he act consistently, be beloved by his friends and neighbours. To her father’s remark she made no reply, but there was that in her heart which made her at rest. She did not desire the crown of roses; she did not wish to be exalted above her young friends. She knew wherein true happiness consists, and she was fully aware that such distinction could not confer true happiness.
What especially impressed this upon her mind was the perceiving a cloud upon the brow of Caliste, and a flush on her cheek, which betokened resentment or anger. When alone with this sister, she could not get her to acknowledge what vexed her; but Lisette was not so backward with her information.
“It is not my fault, you know, Victorine,” she said, with an affected air, “if I am considered superior to my elder sister. It is ridiculous in Caliste to be angry about that. She ought to conquer her great pride, and then she will be more agreeable and more beloved. She fears me for a rival, Victorine. She is not jealous of Felicie Durand—indeed, I know she would prefer her being elected before me; but I cannot help being a younger
sister, neither can I ungratefully quarrel about a preference our neighbours may choose to give me over Caliste.”
“Then you think,” said Victorine, “you will be the chosen Rosiere.”
“I have very little doubt of it,” she answered, “for Caliste has shown her pride to our neighbour, Madame Goton, and she is the marchande de mode of Madame la Baronne de Salency.”
“But I thought,” said Victorine, “that the rose was to be given without prejudice or partiality.”