"I have only to acquaint them with my ill luck," she said. "I am afraid they will be uneasy concerning my health and false rumours may reach them because of the distance that separates us from one another. By the way," she added, "what do you think of the political conduct of my sister, the Queen of Spain?"
"Why, Madame," Dermoncourt replied, "I think she is following the right course."
"So much the better, general," she went on, sighing, "provided she attains to good in the end! Louis XVI. began as she began."
The duchess then noticed that Dermoncourt had a black scarf in which at times he put his arm.
"How is your arm going on, general?" she asked.
"Very well; but how did Madame know about it!"
"Ah! I heard at Nantes; they told me it was one of my horses which threw you. I said, 'Oh! it was a good act on the horse's part,' for I confess I was not sorry for the accident: you have done us much harm! I hope, however, it was not very serious."
"You see, Madame," replied Dermoncourt, "your wish was granted in advance. I am almost cured."
"Tell me, General," asked the duchess, "shall I be allowed to see the newspapers?"
"I do not see any objections. Will Madame tell me those she would like?"