"It must be a profitable business to sleep with every body."

I was excessively nettled, and instantly retorted, "At least I
cannot be accused of making a forcible entry into any person's
bed." The arrow went to the mark and penetrated deeply. The
whole countenance of the duchesse turned pale, except her lips,
which became blue. She would have said something foolish, but
madame de Brionne, more cool because touched less nearly, placed
her hand over her companion's mouth. I in my turn walked away
with Henriette, laughing till tears came into my eyes at this
pleasing victory.

The duchesse de Grammont, who had no further inclination to laugh,
told the whole to her brother. He, who loved her excessively, too
much so perhaps, reprimanded her, nevertheless, and pointed out
to her the disadvantage in an open struggle with me. Madame de
Brionne was enjoined to secrecy, but that did not prevent her from
confiding the affair to the dowager duchesse d'Aiguillon.

This latter was a lady of most superior merit, uniting to much
wit more solid acquirements. She spoke English like a native.
Her death, which happened in 1772, was a great misfortune to her
son, to whom she gave the most excellent counsel. She told my
adventure to her daughter-in-law, who, excessively ambitious, saw,
without any pain, the increasing attachment of her husband for
me. I must tell you, in a parenthesis, that I always lived on the
best terms with her, and that, in my disgrace, her friendship did
not weaken. I must do her this justice. All my
have not been equally faithful towards me.