But the row highlighted the fall from grace of the ethnically diverse women Sarkozy once promoted but later cast aside, who are now rebelling. The former young sports minister, Rama Yade, outspoken and hugely popular, has not only quit the government: she has left Sarkozy's party.

a univentricular heart

There was a rumour about them in the air.

I talked with her mother whenever she was in the room while I redressed the wound.