The marchioness went into ecstasies at these charming pranks.

Clotilde defended her mildly, alleging that this child was her only son.
"That is no reason for bestowing upon society one scoundrel the more," said Lucan.
"However," rejoined Julia, who hastened to be no longer of her own opinion as soon as her step-father seemed to have rallied to it, "it is a well acknowledged fact that spoiled children are those who turn out the best." "There are at least some exceptions," said Lucan, coldly.
"I know of none," said Julia.
"Mon Dieu!" said the Count de Moras in a tone of conciliation, "right or wrong, it is quite the fashion, nowadays, to spoil children." "It is a criminal fashion," said Lucan.

"Formerly their parents whipped them, and thus made men of them." "When a man has such a disposition as that," said Julia, "he does not deserve to have any children--and he has none!" she added with a direct look that further aggravated the unkind and even cruel intention of her words.
Monsieur de Lucan turned very pale.

Clotilde's eyes filled with tears.
Julia, embarrassed at her triumph, left the room.

Her mother, after remaining for a few moments, her face covered with her hands, rose from the table and went to join her.
"Now, _mon cher_," said Monsieur de Moras as soon as he found himself alone with Lucan, "what the mischief took place between you two last night?
You did tell me something about it this morning, but I was so much absorbed in my own selfish preoccupations, that I paid no attention to it.
But tell me, what did take place between you ?" "Nothing serious.