He deserved it." "Beaufort, few persons deserve violent deaths," replied the duchess; and with a perceptible frown she added: "And are you aware that Madame de Brissac, of whom you speak so lightly, is my own daughter ?" Beaufort started back from the chair.

"Word of honor, I had forgotten! But it was so long ago, and no one seems to have heard of her.

Your daughter! Why was she never presented at court ?" "She was presented three years ago, informally.

I wished it so.
Monsieur, we women love to hold a surprise in reserve.

When we are no longer attractive, a daughter more or less does not matter." "Truly I had forgotten.