“Speak, sir; if there are calumnies, they must be refuted.”
“Then, sire, M. de Rohan went to the jewelers, and arranged for the purchase of the necklace, and the mode of payment.”
“Really!” cried the king, annoyed and angry.
“It is a fact, sire, capable of being proved with the greatest certainty. I pledge my word for this.”
“This is most annoying,” said the king; “but still, sir, we have not heard of a theft.”
“Sire, the jewelers say that they have a receipt signed by the queen, and she denies having the necklace.”
“Ah!” cried the king, with renewed hope; “she denies it, you see, M. de Breteuil.”
“Oh, sire! I never doubted her majesty’s innocence. I am indeed unfortunate, if your majesty does not see all my respect for the purest of women.”
“Then you only accuse M. de Rohan?”
“Yes, sire. And appearances demand some inquiry into his conduct. The queen says she has not the necklace—the jewelers say they sold it to her. It is not to be found, and the word ‘theft’ is used as connected both with the queen and M. de Rohan.”