“The porter at the gate where her majesty entered,” said Madame de Misery.
“Laurent,” said Madame Dural, “what time was it when her majesty came home last evening?”
“About eight o’clock,” answered Laurent.
Madame de Misery then left the room, and the king and queen remained alone.
He felt ashamed of his suspicions.
The queen, however, only said coldly, “Well, sire, is there anything else you wish to know?”
“Oh, nothing!” cried he, taking her hands in his; “forgive me; I do not know what came into my head—my joy is as great as my repentance. You will not be angry, will you? I am in despair at having annoyed you.”
The queen withdrew her hand, and said; “Sire, a queen of France must not tell a falsehood.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that I did not return at eight o’clock last evening.”