The name was sufficient. The queen slightly shuddered and rose up.
"You are here early, sir; could you not have made it rather later?"
"No, Madame," replied Sanson; "I received orders to come."
As he uttered these words, he advanced still nearer to the queen. At this moment everything about this man was expressive and terrible.
"I understand," said the prisoner; "you wish to cut off my hair?"
"It is necessary, Madame," replied the executioner.
"I knew it, sir; and I wished to spare you the trouble. My hair is on the table."
Sanson followed the direction of the queen's hand.
"Only," said she, "I should like my hair sent to my children to-night."