Les Secrets de la princesse de Cadignan
Illustration by Alcide Théophile Robaudi | |
| Author | Honoré de Balzac |
|---|---|
| Language | French |
| Series | La Comédie humaine |
Publication date | 1839 |
| Publication place | France |
Les Secrets de la princesse de Cadignan (English "The Secrets of the Princesse de Cadignan") is a short story by Honoré de Balzac. It was published in 1839 and is one of the Scènes de la vie Parisienne of La Comédie humaine.
The short story depicts a princess of Cadignan whose husband was exiled. After a number of extramarital affairs, the princess decides to seduce a conservative politician. She uses the pretext of conversing about a deceased mutual friend, and makes an effort to read the politician's books in order to have topics to discuss with him.