“That is to say, that M. de Charny fought against me.”
“Your majesty, I spoke only of my brother, and of no one else.”
The queen tried hard to remain calm. She walked once or twice up and down the room, and then said, “M. de Crosne, you have convinced me: I was much disturbed by these rumors and accusations; your police is efficient, but I beg you not to forget to investigate this resemblance of which I have spoken. Adieu!” and she held out her hand to him with her own peculiar grace.
Andrée made a movement to depart. The queen gave her a careless adieu.
Jeanne also prepared to leave, when Madame de Misery entered.
“Madame,” said she to the queen, “did your majesty appoint this hour to receive MM. Bœhmer and Bossange?”
“Oh, yes, it is true; let them come in. Remain a little longer, Madame de la Motte; I want the king to make a full peace with you.” Perhaps she wished to pique Andrée by this favor to a newcomer, but Andrée did not seem to heed.
“All these Taverneys are made of iron,” thought the queen. “Ah, gentlemen, what do you bring me now? you know I have no money.”
CHAPTER XXXIX.
THE TEMPTRESS.
Madame de la Motte remained, therefore, as before.