"Ah! that is more difficult," said Geneviève; "there are no more of them," she added, forcing a smile.
"You should have seen the last," said Maurice; "it would have been prudent to do so."
"The result is," said Morand, "I have not the least idea of a crowned head; it must be very sad?"
"Very sad, indeed," said Maurice; "I will answer for it,—I who see one nearly every month."
"A crowned head?" demanded Geneviève.
"At least," said Maurice, "one that has borne the weight and miserable burden of a crown."
"Ah, yes! the queen," said Morand; "truly, Monsieur Maurice, it must be a melancholy sight—"
"Is she as proud and beautiful as they say?" demanded Geneviève.
"Have you never seen her then, Madame?" demanded Maurice, surprised in his turn.