“Let her look, gentlemen; that takes nothing from the value. Unfortunately, they are still worth 1,500,000 francs.”
“Oh,” thought Jeanne, “she is regretting it.” And she said, “On your neck, madame, they would make all women die with jealousy, were they as beautiful as Cleopatra or Venus.” And, approaching, she clasped it round her neck. “Ah, your majesty is beautiful so!”
The queen turned to the mirror. It was really splendid; every one must have admired. Marie Antoinette forgot herself for a time in admiration; then, seized with fear, she tried to take it off.
“It has touched your majesty’s neck; it ought not to belong to any one else,” said Bœhmer.
“Impossible!” said the queen, firmly. “Gentlemen, I have amused myself with these jewels; to do more would be a fault.”
“We will return to-morrow,” said Bœhmer.
“No; I must pay sooner or later; and, besides, doubtless you want your money. You will get it soon.”
“Yes, your majesty,” said the merchant, a man of business again.
“Take the necklace back,” said the queen; “put it away immediately.”
“Your majesty forgets that such a thing is equal to money itself.”