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de Grammont to be irritated against me。 Henriette had less magnanimity。 She repeated so often how impertinent it was thus to insult a female honored by the bounties of the king； and so far excited my feelings； that instead of returning as prudence suggested； I followed the steps of these ladies。 I did not proceed far before I rejoined them； they were seated on a bench； awaiting my arrival as it appeared。 I passed close to them； and at that moment the duchesse de Grammont； raising her voice； said；
〃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。
These two ladies knowing this occurrence； the duc d'Aiguillon was not long kept in ignorance that something had happened。 He came in haste to see me； and inquired what it was。 But he asked in vain； I would not tell him。 My secrecy hurt him； and on his return home he wrote to me。 As I have great pleasure in telling you all that recalls this amiable gentleman to my mind； I will transcribe his letter； which will give you an opportunity of judging of the turn of his mind。