Le Bal du comte d'Orgel

Le Bal du comte d'Orgel ("Count d'Orgel's Ball") is a French novel by Raymond Radiguet (1903–1923). The second and last novel by the Parisian author, it was published posthumously in 1924. Set as a love triangle during the années folles, it proved controversial, as did his first psychological novel, Le Diable au corps, published in 1923. Le Bal du comte d'Orgel was adapted into a 1970 film. It is Paris, 1920. François de Séryeuse is a young student of feudal nobility. At first he meets diplomat Paul Robin, a friend of the Comte Ann d’Orgel at a performance by the Cirque Medrano. Here he meets Anne's wife, Countess Mahaut d'Orgel, and falls in love with her at first sight. Keeping this secret, and wishing to keep Anne friendly, he quickly inveigles himself into the d'Orgel household. François introduces the d'Orgels to his mother, Madame de Séryeuse, with whom he has trouble communicating. Anne traces a distant common descent for François and Mahaut from Grimoard de la Verberie. This rather tenuous link surprises them both. Day by day, Anne's friendship and François' mother's encouragement draw François and Mahaut closer together. Mahaut, adoring her husband, does not notice the feelings François has for her. They spend the summer holidays apart, each waiting for news from the other. Mahaut accepts her feelings for François, but not knowing what to do about them, she confides her love to Madme de Séryeuse, who slyly tells François. This encourages him to do what Mahaut dreaded: continue being friends with Anne, who in François' eyes is a fool. During an evening preparing for their ball, Mahaut confesses her feelings to her husband. He thinks it all a misunderstanding and does not take it seriously. According to Jean Cocteau, Radiguet focuses on the psychology of his characters. In the vast majority of his writing, he explains what is going on in their minds, informing their decisions, commissions and omissions. In the first chapter, Radiguet gives the family tree of the main characters' families.