An _artiste_ for some, she was, with others, a well educated girl; all were attracted by her: old men forgot their age.
Buffon called her "_ma fille_." Her relationship with Madame de Montesson, widow of the Duc d'Orleans, gave her a footing in the house of the young prince.

The Comte de Sillery-Genlis fell in love with her, and married her in spite of his family's opposition.

Friend and confidant of the Duc d'Orleans, the Comte de Sillery obtained for his wife a place at the court of the Duchesse d'Orleans.

Time and her ability did the rest.
The duke attached himself to her with the twofold power of admiration for her beauty and admiration of her superior understanding--the one empire confirmed the other.

The complaints of the insulted duchess only made the duke more obstinate in his liking.