Paris

Paris, France, is where some of the story takes place, and where much of the primary action in the novel occurs.

Francs

Mentioned often, francs are the primary form of money in Paris at the time of the story, and roughly equal the English shilling of the same period.

Ursuline Convent

Ursulines are teaching orders in this time period. Thus, a convent of such would be a place of religious teachings.

Intendant

An intendant is a provincial governor or another senior administrator of the crown.

Little House

A little house, as the explanatory notes mentions, was an important component of the high society of Paris at the time. These areas were often luxurious small estates in the country, designed for leisure and behavior that could cause scandal. This is the type of place Merteuil purchases for her lover.

Le Sopha

Mentioned several times in the novel, La...