“But that is very strange.”
“I have only been twice to Versailles, and then saw but two persons there; one was Doctor Louis, who had attended my poor father at the Hôtel Dieu, and the other was M. le Baron de Taverney, to whom I had an introduction.”
“What did M. de Taverney say to you? He might have brought you to the queen.”
“He told me that I was very foolish to bring forward as a claim to the benevolence of the king a relationship which would be sure to displease him, as nobody likes poor relations.”
“I recognize the egotistical and rude old baron. Well,” continued he, “I will conduct you myself to Versailles, and will open the doors for you.”
“Oh, monseigneur, how good you are,” cried Jeanne, overwhelmed with joy.
The cardinal approached her, and said, “It is impossible but that before long all must interest themselves in you.”
“Alas! monseigneur,” said Jeanne, with a sigh, “do you think so?”
“I am sure of it.”
“I fear you flatter me,” she said, looking earnestly at him, for she could hardly believe in his sudden change of manner, he had been so cold and suspicious at first.