“I acknowledge the receipt of 500,000 francs from M. Joseph Balsamo, which I will repay on demand.
“You see, monseigneur, that I only ask my right; besides, as this was a spontaneous loan by me to a man I hardly knew, the payment might have been equally spontaneous, without waiting for me to claim it. But you did not think so. Well, monseigneur, I withdraw this paper, and bid you adieu.”
“No, count,” replied the cardinal; “a Rohan must not receive lessons in generosity; besides, this is a mere question of honesty. Give me the paper, sir, and I will discharge my debt.”
For a moment Cagliostro hesitated, for the pale face and distressed air of the cardinal inclined him to pity; but quickly hardening himself he handed him the paper. M. de Rohan went to the cabinet, and took out the money. “There,” said he, “are your 500,000 francs; and I owe you 250,000 more for interest, which you shall have if you will give me time.”
“Monseigneur,” said Cagliostro, “I lent 500,000 francs to M. de Rohan, which he has paid me; he therefore owes me nothing more. I will take the notes with me, and send for the money. I thank you for your compliance with my request.” Then, bowing, he left the room.
“Well,” sighed M. de Rohan, “it is likely, at least, that the queen has the money, and no Joseph Balsamo will come and take it from her.”
CHAPTER LVIII.
FAMILY ACCOUNTS.
It was the day before the first payment was due, and M. de Calonne had so much to do, that he had forgotten his promise. The queen had up to this time waited patiently, relying on his word; she now, however, was beginning to grow uneasy, when she received the following note:
“This evening the business with which your majesty has charged me will be settled by the Council; the money will be with the queen to-morrow evening.”
Marie Antoinette recovered all her gaiety directly.