No doubt it seemed to you that you might reap favour with the new by being the first to cast a slight upon the old." "But, madame--" "You may spare your protestations.

I am one who judges by deeds and not by words.

Did you, then, think that my charm had so faded, that any beauty which I ever have had is so withered ?" "Nay, madame, I were blind to think that." "Blind as a noontide owl," said Amos Green with emphasis.
Madame de Montespan arched her eyebrows and glanced at her singular admirer.

"Your friend at least speaks that which he really feels," said she.

"At four o'clock to-day we shall see whether others are of the same mind; and if they are, then it may be ill for those who mistook what was but a passing shadow for a lasting cloud." She cast another vindictive glance at the young guardsman, and rattled on once more upon her way.
"Come on!" cried De Catinat curtly, for his companion was staring open-mouthed after the carriage.