“Then, sir, you think they will believe——”
“Sire, I know nothing of what is said,” interrupted the cardinal; “all that I can affirm is, that I have not the necklace; some one has it who will not produce it; and I can but say, let the shame of the crime fall on the person who knows himself guilty.”
“The question, madame, is between you two,” said the king. “Once more, have you the necklace?”
“No, by the honor of my mother, by the life of my son.”
The king joyfully turned towards the cardinal. “Then, sir, the affair lies between you and justice, unless you prefer trusting to my clemency.”
“The clemency of kings is for the guilty, sire; I prefer the justice of men!”
“You will confess nothing?”
“I have nothing to say.”
“But, sir, your silence compromises my honor,” cried the queen.
The cardinal did not speak.