"I thank your majesty," said Chon, coming in, and hastening to whisper to her sister in kissing her:
"I have done it."
The countess could not repress an outcry of delight.
"I am so glad to see her."
"Quite so; go on and chat with her while I confer with Sartines to learn whence you come, Chon."
"Sire," said Sartines, eager to avoid the pinch, "may I have a moment for the most important matter?—about these seers, illuminati, miracle workers——"
"Quacks? make them take out licenses as conjurers at a high figure, and they will not be any cause of fear."
"Sire, the situation is more serious than most believe. New masonic lodges are being opened. This society has become a sect to which is affiliated all the foes of the monarchy, the idealists, encyclopedists and philosophers. Voltaire has been received at court."
"A dying man."
"Only his pretense. All are agitating, writing, speaking, corresponding, plotting and threatening. From some words dropped, they are expecting a leader."