“Ah! what is he himself?” asked Madame Henrietta.
“But for the honor of the king—of the queen.”
“Well, let us hope he will do something for the sake of their honor,” said the queen. “A true friend’s eloquence is so powerful, my lord, that you have reassured me. Give me your hand and let us go to the minister; and yet,” she added, “suppose he should refuse and that the king loses the battle?”
“His majesty will then take refuge in Holland, where I hear his highness the Prince of Wales now is.”
“And can his majesty count upon many such subjects as yourself for his flight?”
“Alas! no, madame,” answered De Winter; “but the case is provided for and I am come to France to seek allies.”
“Allies!” said the queen, shaking her head.
“Madame,” replied De Winter, “provided I can find some of my good old friends of former times I will answer for anything.”
“Come then, my lord,” said the queen, with the painful doubt that is felt by those who have suffered much; “come, and may Heaven hear you.”