"Madame," said he to me, "I have been informed that I am in
disgrace with you, and have come to inquire how I may extricate
myself from this misfortune."

"You ought to know, sir. Twice in one month have I been shamefully
insulted; and yet the first intimation of such a thing ought to have
put you on your guard."

M. de Sartines, whom my tone had much surprised, endeavored to
justify himself, when comte Jean said to him,

"My dear lieutenant of police, all you have said goes for nothing.
One thing is certain, and that is, that there is a deficiency of
respect towards my sister-in-law. You say that it is not your
fault: what proof do you give us of this? What inquiries have
you made? What measures have you taken? Any? Why do you come
to us if you aid our enemies?"

M. de Sartines would fain have ensconced himself in his own dignity.

"M. du Barry," was his reply, "I shall render an account of my
conduct to the king."

"Very well, sir," I replied, "but do not suppose that either you
or the Choiseuls can give me any cause of fear."

M. de Sartines was thunderstruck; my boldness astonished him. At
length he said,