Mistress of the Ritz

by Melanie Benjamin

It was precisely four years ago that the horror began.

that there were people who were so anxious to be told that their worst fears and prejudices were understandable, if not admirable, that they believed every single lie they were told. She saw two men laugh at a horrible cartoon of the former prime minister—twice he was elected to that office!—Léon Blum, depicting him with a nose the size of a banana; they laughed until they had tears in their eyes.

Jews sometimes ate little girls like her, and so it was a good thing the Nazis were here, to save her.

Blanche’s husband—eavesdropping while the mother went on to explain to her daughter that it was a good thing the Germans had put on this exhibition, because some of their neighbors didn’t share their beliefs, but now, thank heavens, they would know the truth because one thing was certain: Nazis didn’t lie—did not answer.

Germans. But intelligence isn’t required when you have evil on your side.

This war has also bestowed upon Claude clarity, for he realizes something, now that Blanche is gone: Marriage is not defined by what we hope to gain, but by what we are willing to sacrifice. And Blanche sacrificed her whole self for him—her entire past. What did Claude sacrifice for her? Not a thing. And that will change, God willing, when she is returned to him.