"My daughter," said she, "that letter?"
"I burned it, as you desired me, mother."
"Without reading it?"
"Without reading it."
"Adieu, then, to the last ray of hope, divine hope!" murmured Madame Elizabeth.
"You are right, my sister, you are right; it is almost beyond endurance." Then turning toward her daughter, "But you at least saw the hand-writing, Marie?"
"Yes, mother, for a moment."
The queen rose, went to the door to make sure she was not observed; then drawing a pin from her hair, approached the wall, and from a chink drew out a small paper folded like a letter, and showing it to Madame Royale, "collect your thoughts before you reply, my child," said she; "was the writing the same as this?"
"Yes, yes, mother!" cried the princess; "I recognize it!"
"God be praised, then!" cried the queen, falling with fervor on her knees. "If he could write since this morning, he is safe. Thanks, O God! thanks! So noble a friend deserves thy miraculous preservation."