第九十五章 Father and Daughter
This chapter presents a crucial confrontation between Baron Danglars and his daughter Eugénie regarding her arranged marriage to M. Andrea Cavalcanti.
Danglars Awaits His Daughter
Baron Danglars paces nervously in his gilded salon at ten o’clock in the morning, watching doors and listening for sounds. Impatiently, he summons his valet Étienne to discover why his daughter makes him wait so long for the meeting she requested in the drawing-room.
Eugénie’s Formal Arrival
Eugénie finally appears, dressed elegantly in a figured black satin dress with her hair styled and gloves on, presenting herself as if attending the Italian Opera. Her formal attire signals the gravity of the impending conversation.
The Drawing-Room Chosen
Eugénie explains her deliberate choice of the drawing-room over her father’s study—to avoid the oppressive atmosphere of banking where gilded cashbooks, locked drawers, and correspondence from distant countries cloud a father’s judgment with financial concerns rather than filial ones.
A Refusal to Marry
In two words, Eugénie delivers her ultimatum: she will not marry Count Andrea Cavalcanti. She explains that her previous passivity was not consent but rather a desire to practice obedience until the decisive moment arrived.
Eugénie’s Philosophy of Independence
Eugénie articulates her philosophy using classical references. She loves no one, sees no reason to encumber her life with a perpetual companion, and values solitude as perfect freedom. She considers herself beautiful, witty, talented, and rich—sufficient unto herself.
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