“And that in a hundred years it will be worth as much as it is now,” said Jeanne.
“Give me 1,500,000 francs,” said the queen, “and we shall see.”
“Oh, if I had them!”
MM. Bœhmer and Bossange took as long as possible to put back the necklace, but the queen did not speak.
At last they said, “Your majesty refuses them?”
“Yes, oh yes!” And they quitted the room.
Marie Antoinette remained sitting, looking rather gloomy, and beating with her foot in an impatient manner; at last she said, “Countess, it seems the king will not return; we must defer our supplication till another time.”
Jeanne bowed respectfully.
“But I will not forget you,” added the queen.
“She is regretting and desiring,” thought Jeanne, as she left; “and yet she is a queen.”