“Sire, I have just heard of the arrest of M. de Rohan.”
“Well, and what then? Am I wrong to do justice even on him?”
“Oh no, brother; I did not mean that.”
“I should have been surprised had you not taken part somehow against the queen. I have just seen her, and am quite satisfied.”
“Oh, sire, God forbid that I should accuse her! The queen has no friend more devoted than myself.”
“Then you approve of my proceedings? which will, I trust, terminate all the scandals which have lately disgraced our court.”
“Yes, sire, I entirely approve your majesty’s conduct, and I think all is for the best as regards the necklace——”
“Pardieu, it is clear enough. M. de Rohan has been making himself great on a pretended familiarity with the queen; and conducting in her name a bargain for the diamonds, and leaving it to be supposed that she had them. It is monstrous. And then these tales never stop at the truth, but add all sorts of dreadful details which would end in a frightful scandal on the queen.”
“Yes, brother, I repeat as far as the necklace is concerned you were perfectly right.”
“What else is there, then?”