“Your majesty says,” cried Bœhmer, ready to drop, “that you sent me back the necklace!”
“Certainly. What is the matter?”
“What! your majesty denies having bought the necklace?”
“Ah! what comedy is this, sir?” said the queen, severely. “Is this unlucky necklace destined to turn some one’s brain?”
“But did your majesty really say that you had returned the necklace?”
“Happily,” replied the queen, “I can refresh your memory, as you are so forgetful, to say nothing more.” She went to her secretaire, and, taking out the receipt, showed it to him, saying, “I suppose this is clear enough?”
Bœhmer’s expression changed from incredulity to terror. “Madame,” cried he, “I never signed this receipt!”
“You deny it!” said the queen, with flashing eyes.
“Positively, if I lose my life for it. I never received the necklace; I never signed the receipt. Were the headsman here, or the gallows, I would repeat the same thing!”
“Then, sir,” said the queen, “do you think I have robbed you? do you think I have your necklace?”