The two stories of 'Les Rivalites' are more closely connected than it was always Balzac's habit to connect the tales which he united under a common heading. Most persons have encountered, in certain provinces in France, a number of Chevaliers de Valois. One lived in Normandy, another at Bourges, a third (with whom we have here to do) flourished in Alencon, and doubtless the South possesses others. The number of the Valesian tribe is, however, of no consequence to the present tale.