Gradually she comprehends that she has been cheated, cruelly cheated.

What happens?
She begins by comparing her husband who is old to the gallants who are young.

This is but natural." "And exciting," interpolated the Chevalier.
"By and by, the world as contrived by man shows her many loopholes through which she may pass without disturbing her conscience.

Ah, but these steps are so imperceptible that one does not perceive how far one goes till one looks back to find the way closed.

Behold the irony of fate! During the second year Monsieur le Comte falls in love with one of Scudery's actresses, and, commits all sorts of follies for her sake.
Ah well, there were gallants enough.