CHAPTER LXXXV.
AFTER THE DRAGON, THE VIPER.
Oliva was preparing to fly, as Jeanne had arranged, when Beausire, warned by an anonymous letter, discovered her and carried her away. In order to trace them, Jeanne put all her powers in requisition—she preferred being able to watch over her own secret—and her disappointment was great when all her agents returned announcing a failure. At this time she received in her hiding-place numerous messages from the queen.
She went by night to Bar-sur-Aube, and there remained for two days. At last she was traced, and an express sent to take her. Then she learnt the arrest of the cardinal. “The queen has been rash,” thought she, “in refusing to compromise with the cardinal, or to pay the jewelers; but she did not know my power.”
“Monsieur,” said she to the officer who arrested her, “do you love the queen?”
“Certainly, madame.”
“Well, in the name of that love I beg you to conduct me straight to her. Believe me, you will be doing her a service.”
The man was persuaded, and did so. The queen received her haughtily, for she began to suspect that her conduct had not been straightforward. She called in two ladies as witnesses of what was about to pass.
“You are found at last, madame,” said the queen; “why did you hide?”
“I did not hide, madame.”
“Run away, then, if that pleases you better.”