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footsteps, not knowing what is involved. She must have some small knowledge before I allow you or anyone else to have her. She is likely to be quite shocked to discover how powerful an emotion lust is."
    "Do not overburden her with facts, dear Renée," the duke said. "I can think of no more delightful a task than bestirring and arousing the beautiful Marguerite to know her own passions. Promise me you will not let any of the others have her until I have had my appetites sated."
    "But of course, César. You are certainly my choice for breaking her in, but please, I beg you, be kind to her. She has never had a lover but for Lord Abbott. He adored her, but was not from what can I gather in my talks with my niece, a thrilling lover. He took his quick pleasure, and was kind to her, but no more."
    "I cannot wait to see the look in her eyes when I bring her to the point of la petite morte," the duke said excitedly.
    "César, César!" Renée mocked him gently. "You are always so eager for new experiences. Of all the men I have ever met, you are certainly the most experienced."
    "From you, ma chérie , that is a great compliment," the duke replied. "Will you honor me?" he asked her.
    "What of your handsome American cousin?" She smiled up at him.
    The Duc de Caraville's glance swept the room, and then he chuckled. "Beau is still in deep conversation with Monsieur de Eustache. Le bon Dieu , I despair of him."
    "Let me see to my guests first," she told him. The two princes were still deep in play at the card table with the baron and Lord Darby. Leonie was gone from the room as was Count Cirello. Josie was listening intently now to General Egide's stories, while Prince Romanov had seated himself at the pianoforte and was singing a rather bawdy song about the English regent while Count St. Denis played the instrument. Monsieur Georges was drinking wine, apparently quite content when Renée stopped by his chair.
    "May I get you something, monsieur?" she asked him. "It is so nice to see you up from Nantes again. Business is good?"
    "Excellent, madame , never better," Monsieur Georges replied. "And as always the hospitality you offer is the finest. Do not fret yourself about me. Mademoiselle Josie has said she will entertain me when the general tires of his memories. She is a kind young woman, n'est-ce pas , Madame Renée?"
    Renée bent and kissed the gentleman on his cheek. "She is very kind, oui . Now tell me, will you be long in Paris this trip?"
    "Just the usual few days, but I shall be back in two months, for there is nothing finer than springtime in Paris," he responded.
    "And when you return, I shall probably have three, if not four, young ladies to entertain my guests, monsieur . My niece, a widow, is joining my household, and if I can find another suitable girl, well then, will that not be nice?" She smiled at him.
    "I may have a young lady for you," Monsieur Georges surprised her. "Beautiful, but a trifle rough about the edges. She is too delicious a piece to roam the streets, which she will shortly be driven to if I cannot find a place for her. She is the daughter of one of my silk weavers. He is ill, and will soon die. I have been kind to her."
    "Is she a virgin?" Renée wanted to know.
    "No, I have seen to that," Monsieur Georges said with a small smile. "Nor is she diseased. I have also seen to that, madame . I know the kind of young lady you prefer, for have I not been coming here for over ten years. Michelle needs refining, but she is most enthusiastic."
    "If she is willing to come, bring her to me when her papa is gone, but not before. And see that she learns to read and write. If she is suitable, I will reimburse you any expense involved."
    "Excellent, madame," Monsieur Georges replied. "You are a most excellent business woman." He arose and, bowing, kissed her hand.
    Her guests would be fine without her for an hour or so, Renée knew. Returning to the duke's side, she took his arm, and they left the salon. Renée's