“I think, madame, that you have need to prove your innocence to me.”
The Prince Louis, Cardinal de Rohan, was at that moment announced by an usher.
“You shall have your wish,” said the queen.
“You are going to receive him?”
“Yes.”
“And I?”
“Go into my boudoir, and leave the door ajar, that you may hear. Be quick—here he is.”
M. de Rohan appeared in his robes of office. The queen advanced towards him, attempting a smile, which died away on her lips.
He was serious, and said, “Madame, I have several important things to communicate to you, although you shun my presence.”
“I shun you so little, monsieur, that I was about to send for you.”