“I do not deny it,” said the king.
“Then I do refuse to wear such a necklace while the king’s coffers are empty, when he is forced to stint his charities, and to say to the poor, ‘God help you, for I have no more to give.’”
“Are you serious in saying this?”
“Listen, sire; M. de Sartines told me a short time since that with that sum we could build a ship of the line; and in truth, sire, the king has more need of a ship than the queen of a necklace.”
“Oh!” cried the king, joyfully, and with his eyes full of tears, “what you do is sublime. Thanks, Antoinette; you are a good wife!” and he threw his arms round her neck and kissed her. “Oh! how France will bless you,” continued he; “and it shall hear what you have done.”
The queen sighed.
“You regret,” said he: “it is not too late.”
“No, sire; shut this case, and return it to the jewelers.”
“But listen, first; I have arranged the terms of payment, and I have the money.”
“No, I have decided. I will not have the necklace; but I want something else.”