I can publish the whole
together; and, I repeat, my determination on this head depends
wholly and entirely upon the manner in which madame d'Egmont shall
henceforward conduct herself towards me. I beg madame de Rossin
will allow me to subscribe myself, with every feeling she so well,
merits,
"Her very humble and most obedient servant,
"THE COMTESSE DU BARRY"
I had communicated to no one the secret of this vengeance; I wished
to keep the delight of thus exciting the rage of the princesse
d'Egmont all to myself. I was certain, that whatever might
henceforward be her line of conduct towards me, that whenever
she found herself in my presence, she would bitterly feel the
stings of an accusing conscience, and the gnawings of that worm
which dieth not in the heart of hypocritical and wicked persons,
more especially when compelled to meet the eye of those who
could unmask them in a minute.
On the following day I received a visit from the duc de Richelieu.
Spite of the many endeavors he made to appear smiling and good
humored, a deep rage kept its station round his mouth, and
contracted his lips even in the midst of the artificial smile with
which he sought to dissimulate his wrath.
"Madame, good morning," said he to me, "I come to offer my
congratulations, you really are become quite one of us; upon my
word, the most experienced courtier has nothing more to teach you."
"I am as yet in ignorance of the cause to which I may ascribe
these compliments, M.
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