A gentleman may be seen in such company without
any disgrace."
"Monsieur le chevalier," replied the duke, "to speak candidly to
you, allow me to ask, if any one who would have the friendship of
our house would be seen in that of the lady in question?"
"Pardon me, duke; that is not the question. Allow me, in turn,
to ask you, why those of your house should not go there? This,
I think, is the real question."
"You offer us a splendid alliance!" said the duchess with anger.
"I offer nothing, madame: I only inquire. For my part, I see no
legitimate motive for this proscription of madame du Barry."
"A woman without character!"
"Character! Why, madame, who has any in these days? M. de Crebillon
the younger would be at a loss to tell us where to find it."
This reply made the duke and his sister smile again. The chancellor
went on thus:
"It appears to me that persons were less difficult in the times
of madame de Pompadour."
"But a creature who has been so low in society!"
"Have you seen her so, madame? And supposing it has been the
case, do we interdict all ladies of conduct not less blamable from
an introduction at court. How many can you enumerate, madame,
who have led a life much more scandalous? Let us count them on
our fingers. First, the marechale de Luxembourg, one; then--"
"Then the comtesse de Choiseul, my sister-in-law," added the
duke; "we know it as well as you, sir.
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