“And with whom was this bargain?”
“It is secret, monseigneur.”
“Too many secrets, M. Bœhmer,” said he, rising; “but I should have thought that a French jeweler would prefer selling these beautiful stones in France. You prefer Portugal—very well.”
“Monseigneur knows that!” cried the jeweler.
“Well, is that astonishing?”
“No one knew it but the queen.”
“And if that were so?” said M. de Rohan without contradicting a supposition that flattered him.
“Ah! that would change matters.”
“Why so, sir?”
“May I speak freely?”