“Then all goes well,” said the prelate; “there only remains one thing now—to penetrate to Versailles.”
The countess smiled.
“Ah, countess, it is not so easy.”
She smiled again, more significantly than before.
“Really, you provincials,” said he, “doubt nothing; because you have seen Versailles with the doors open, and stairs to go up, you think any one may open these doors and ascend these stairs. Have you seen the monsters of brass, of marble, and of lead, which adorn the park and the terraces?”
“Yes.”
“Griffins, gorgons, ghouls, and other ferocious beasts. Well, you will find ten times as many, and more wicked, living animals between you and the favor of sovereigns.”
“Your eminence will aid me to pass through the ranks of these monsters.”
“I will try, but it will be difficult. And if you pronounce my name, if you discover your talisman, it will lose all its power.”
“Happily, then, I am guarded by the immediate protection of the queen, and I shall enter Versailles with a good key.”