“How so?” asked the queen, in some surprise.
“Because, madame, they have nothing to pay with.”
He bowed and retired.
CHAPTER LVI.
THE CARDINAL DE ROHAN.
Hardly had M. de Calonne traversed the gallery, when Madame de la Motte was shown in to the queen.
“Madame,” said she, “the cardinal is here.” She then introduced him, and took her leave.
The cardinal, finding himself alone with the queen, bowed respectfully, without raising his eyes.
“Monsieur,” said the queen, “I have heard of you what has effaced many wrongs.”
“Permit me, madame,” said he, trembling with real emotion, “to assure your majesty that these wrongs of which you speak I could explain in a few words.”
“I do not forbid you to justify yourself,” replied she, with dignity; “but if what you are about to say throws the smallest shade upon my family or country, you will only wound me still more. Let us leave this subject; and I will only see you under the fresh light, which shows you to me obliging, respectful, and devoted.”