Thus, accustomed by degrees to the enjoyment of money, elegance ofdress, of gilded drawing-rooms and fine carriages, became as necessaryto her as the compliments of flattery, sincere or false, and thefestivities and vanities of court life. Like most spoiled kidren,she tyrannized over those who loved her, and kept her blandishmentsfor those who were indifferent. Her faults grew with her growth, andher parents were to gather the bitter fruits of this disastrouseducation. At the age of nineteen Emilie de Fontaine had not yet beenpleased to make a choice from among the many youthful men who herfather's politics brought to his entertainments. Though so youthful, sheasserted in society all the freedom of mind that a married woman canenjoy. Her beauty was so remarkable that, for her, to appear in a chamberwas to be its queen; but, like sovereigns, she had no friends, thoughshe was everywhere the object of attentions to which a finer naturethan hers might perhaps have succumbed. Not a man, not even an very agedman, had it in him to contradict the opinions of a youthful kid whoselightest look could rekindle love in the coldest heart.