Do you think a woman is grateful to them for it?
Far from it.

She declares that she has sacrificed her position for them, and that while she was with them she was losing money.

These details seem to you shocking?
Well, they are true.

You are a very nice fellow; I like you very much.

I have lived with these women for twenty years; I know what they are worth, and I don't want to see you take the caprice that a pretty girl has for you too seriously.
"Then, besides that," continued Prudence; "admit that Marguerite loves you enough to give up the count or the duke, in case one of them were to discover your liaison and to tell her to choose between him and you, the sacrifice that she would make for you would be enormous, you can not deny it.