“Since when?”
“For three nights,” replied he, in a marked manner.
The queen manifested no emotion, but Jeanne trembled.
“Have you not something to say to me?” asked the queen again, with kindness.
“Oh, madame, I should have too much to say to your majesty.”
“Come,” said she, and she walked towards her apartments; but to avoid the appearance of a tête-à-tête, she invited several ladies to follow her. Jeanne, unquiet, placed herself among them; but when they arrived, she dismissed Madame de Misery, and the other ladies, understanding that she wished to be alone, left her. Charny stood before her.
“Speak,” said the queen; “you appear troubled, sir.”
“How can I begin?” said Charny, thinking aloud; “how can I dare to accuse honor and majesty?”
“Sir!” cried Marie Antoinette, with a flaming look.
“And yet I should only say what I have seen.”