Bazac supported Mrs. Berny as they walked up to the second-floor room.
Although he had many lovers, Mrs. Berny, as his first, a noble lady whom he admired, always held an extremely special place in Balzac's heart.
Before becoming Balzac's lover, Mrs. Berny never had the thought of having a romance with this boy 23 years her junior, nor did she ever seduce him. But perhaps it was precisely because of this that the fledgling Balzac was instead conquered by the allure exuded by this lady.
Every time Balzac came to this neighbor's house to tutor her daughters, Mrs. Berny always liked to tease Balzac, happily mocking his mannerisms, ridiculing his pretension and ambition.
And as they became familiar with each other, she began to play the role of a confidant aunt, listening to Balzac talk about his childhood, recounting how his mother had long left him neglected.
