But by a natural movement, from an habitual passive obedience to regulation, Maurice put out his hand to arrest the arm of Geneviève.
The queen then remained hesitating, when, looking at Maurice, she recognized him as the young municipal who had always spoken to her with so much firmness, but at the same time tempered with equal respect.
"Is this forbidden, sir?" said she.
"No, no, Madame. Geneviève, you can offer your bouquet," said Maurice.
"Oh, thanks, thanks, sir," said the queen, with grateful acknowledgments; and bowing with gracious affability to Geneviève, the queen extended her emaciated hand, and selected at random a single carnation from the mass of flowers.
"Take them all, Madame, take them all," timidly said Geneviève.
"No," said the queen, with a fascinating smile; "this bouquet may come perhaps from one you love. I will not deprive you of it."
Geneviève blushed, and at this blush the queen smiled.
"Move on! Citizen Capet," said Agricola, "you must continue your route."
The queen bowed, and ascended the steps, but before she disappeared, turned around and murmured,—