Stale scandal is doubtless an offence in the ear of the Anointed." The Anointed was the king.
"That is true," returned the duchess, seriously.

"Old scandals bore him, but if, by good fortune, a rich new bit comes your way, save it for our Rowley, whisper it in his ear and forget it.

Leave to him the pleasure of disseminating it.

He dearly loves the 'ohs' and 'ahs' of delight incident to the telling of a racy tale.

But I'll take you in hand one of these days and tell you how best to please the king, though your beauty will make all other means mere surplusage.