“Well, then, I will speak,” cried she. “Learn, sire, that M. de Rohan’s chief crime is not the theft of this necklace.”
M. de Rohan turned pale.
“What do you mean?” cried the king.
“Madame!” murmured the cardinal.
“Oh! no reasons, no fear, no weakness shall close my mouth. I would proclaim my innocence in public if necessary.”
“Your innocence,” said the king. “Oh, madame, who would be rash enough, or base enough, to compel you to defend that?”
“I beg you, madame,” said the cardinal.
“Ah! you begin to tremble. I was right: such plots bear not the light. Sire, will you order M. de Rohan to repeat to you what he has just said to me.”
“Madame,” cried the cardinal, “take care; you pass all bounds.”
“Sir,” said the king, “do you dare to speak thus to the queen?”