We did not remain long in doubt about
the hand by which the blow was directed.
We both knew that Madam d'Epinay corresponded with St. Lambert. This
was not the first storm she had raised up against Madam d'Houdetot,
from whom she had made a thousand efforts to detach her lover, the
success of some of which made the consequences to be dreaded. Besides,
Grimm, who, I think, had accompanied M. de Castries to the army, was
in Westphalia, as well as Saint Lambert; they sometimes visited. Grimm
had made some attempts on Madam d'Houdetot, which had not succeeded,
and being extremely piqued, suddenly discontinued his visits to her.
Let it be judged with what calmness, modest as he is known to be, he
supposed she preferred to him a man older than himself, and of whom,
since he had frequented the great, he had never spoken but as a person
whom he patronized.
My suspicions of Madam d'Epinay were changed into a certainty the
moment I heard what had passed in my own house. When I was at the
Chevrette, Theresa frequently came there, either to bring me letters
or to pay me that attention which my ill state of health rendered
necessary. Madam d'Epinay had asked her if Madam d'Houdetot and I
did not write to each other. Upon her answering in the affirmative,
Madam d'Epinay pressed her to give her the letters of Madam
d'Houdetot, assuring her she would reseal them in such a manner as
it should never be known. Theresa without showing how much she was
shocked at the proposition, and without even putting me upon my guard,
did nothing more than seal the letters she brought me more
carefully; a lucky precaution, for Madam d'Epinay had her watched when
she arrived, and, waiting for her in the passage, several times
carried her audaciousness as far as to examine her tucker.
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