"Yes, you must only see generally, for the Austrian is a stylish beauty, and the provincial lady a vulgar one."
"According to this, Jeanne, you would be the vulgar kind," said the monarch. "You are joking, I think."
"That is a compliment, but it is wrapped up in a compliment to another," thought the favorite, and aloud she said: "Faith, I should like the dauphiness to choose a bevy of beauties for maids of honor. A court of old tabbies is frightful."
"You are talking over one won to your side, for I was saying the same thing to the dauphin; but he is indifferent."
"However, she begins well, you think, to take this Taverney girl. She has no money?"
"No, but she has blood. The Taverney Redcastles are a good old house and long-time servants of the realm."
"Who is backing them?"
"Not the Choiseuls, for they would be overfeasted with pensions in that case."
"I beg you not to bring in politics, countess!"