The queen rang violently. “Tell his majesty that I desire his presence.”
The cardinal remained firm. Marie Antoinette went ten times to the door of the boudoir, and each time returned without going in.
At last the king appeared.
CHAPTER LXXVII.
THE ARREST.
“Sire,” cried the queen, “here is M. de Rohan, who says incredible things, which I wish him to repeat to you.”
At these unexpected words the cardinal turned pale. Indeed, it was a strange position to hear himself called upon to repeat to the king and the husband all the claims which he believed he had over the queen and the wife.
But the king, turning towards him, said, “About a certain necklace, is it not, sir?”
M. de Rohan took advantage of the king’s question, and chose the least of two evils. “Yes, sire,” he murmured, “about the necklace.”
“Then, sir, you have brought the necklace?”
“Sire——”