“Oh, madame!”

“It is not I who say it: that is his reputation; he almost glories in it; his trophies are numerous, and some of them have made no little scandal.”

“Well, madame, I am sure he thought then of no one but your majesty.”

The queen laughed.

“Your majesty’s modesty will not allow you to listen to praises.”

“Not from the cardinal—I suspect them all.”

“It is not my part,” replied Jeanne, respectfully, “to defend any one who has incurred your majesty’s displeasure.”

“M. de Rohan has offended me, but I am a queen and a Christian, and do not wish to dwell on offenses.”

Jeanne was silent.

“You think differently to me on this subject?”