“Oh! I guess, some foreign intrigue. The queen asked her mother, or some of her family, for money.”
“It would have been better if she had, sire.”
“Well, to whom, then, did she apply?”
“Sire, I dare not——”
“Monsieur, I am tired of this. I order you to speak out at once. Who lent this money to the queen?”
“M. de Rohan.”
“M. de Rohan! Are you not ashamed to name to me the most embarrassed man in my kingdom?”
“Sire,” said M. de Breteuil, lowering his eyes.
“M. de Breteuil, your manner annoys me. If you have anything to say, speak at once.”
“Sire, I cannot bring myself to utter things so compromising to the honor of my king and queen.”