Sentence:  The First Consul looked upon her as his child. It was only in that country so fertile in the inventions of scandal, that so foolish an accusation could have been imagined, as that any feeling less pure than paternal affection actuated his conduct toward her. The vile <WSD>calumny</WSD> met with the contempt it merited. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A false accusation or charge brought to tarnish another's reputation or standing.