titled culture.

[divertissements]

Finding Claude at some ball or other, Albertine whispers, “They speak of a gathering of women artists.” Her voice sounds more airy than shrill.

“Let me hear, what do they say?”

“That you perform Satanic rituals, sacrificing men to the Greek gods.”

Claude laughs. “Do you believe them?”

“I think you support one another, love one another like sisters.” A halt, a hesitation. “You may even love one another as more than sisters.”

“Come and see for yourself,” Claude invites and leaves her calling card with the fair-haired soprano, before letting the currents of the party sweep them both away.