“Oh, madame! you should not question me, if you do not wish to hear my answers.”
“Well, then, dear doctor, is he an atheist? Does he blaspheme?”
“Oh, no! he is on the contrary a devotee.”
The queen assumed a look of sang-froid. “M. de Charny,” she said, “interests me. He is the nephew of M. de Suffren, and has besides rendered me personal services. I wish to be a friend to him. Tell me, therefore, the exact truth.”
“But I cannot tell you, madame. If your majesty wishes to know, the only way is to hear him yourself.”
“But if he says such strange things?”
“Things which your majesty ought to hear.”
“But,” said the queen, “I cannot move a step here, without some charitable spy watching me.”
“I will answer for your security. Come through my private way, and I will lock the door after us.”
“I trust to you, then, dear doctor.” And she followed him, burning with curiosity.