So much for Mazarin's nieces.

His nephews are too young for alliances just yet, saving myself; and for me his Eminence has chosen one of the greatest heiresses in France--Yvonne St.Albaret de Canaples." "Whom ?" I shouted.
He smiled.
"Curious, is it not?
She is the sister of the man whom I quarrelled with this morning, and whom you fought with this afternoon.

Now you will understand my uncle's reasons for so strenuously desiring to prevent the duel at St.Germain.It appears that the old Chevalier de Canaples is as eager as the Cardinal to see his daughter wed to me, for his Eminence has promised to create me Duke for a wedding gift.

'T will cost him little, and 't will please these Canaples mightily.

Naturally, had Eugene de Canaples and I crossed swords, matters would have been rendered difficult." "When did you learn all this ?" I inquired.
"To-day, after the duel, and when it was known what St.Auban and Montmedy had threatened me with.