Not suspecting what was to follow, I was delighted at the rencontre.
They passed us with head erect, haughty air; looked at me with a
disdainful stare, laughed rudely and walked away. Altho' such
behavior offended me, it did not put me out of humor; I thought
it very natural for madame 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.
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