This conversation increased my ardour. She called Annette, and I went to my room.
As I had expected, Annette came to me as soon as her mistress was in bed.
“If the lady is really your niece,” said she, “may I hope that you still love me?”
“Assuredly, dear Annette, I shall always love you. Undress, and let us have a little talk.”
I had not long to wait, and in the course of two voluptuous hours I quenched the flames that another woman had kindled in my breast.
Next morning Possano came to tell me that he had arranged matters with the cook with the help of six sequins. I gave him the money, and told him to be more careful for the future.
I went to Rosalie’s for my breakfast, which she was delighted to give me: and I asked her and her husband to dinner on the following day, telling her to bring any four persons she liked.
“Your decision,” said I, “will decide the fate of my cook; it will be his trial dinner.”
She promised to come, and then pressed me to tell her the history of my amours with her fair country-woman.
“Alas!” I said, “you may not believe me, but I assure you I am only beginning with her.”