“I repeat it is a mission.”
“But you refused the like a week ago!”
“In a week much happens in a man’s existence to alter his determination.”
“Do you depart alone?” she asked, making an effort.
She breathed again when he answered: “Alone.”
“Where do you go?” she asked, recovering from her weakness.
“It is the King’s secret, but he has none from you.”
“My lord, the secret is ours alike,” said Marie Antoinette haughtily. “But is it abroad or in the kingdom?”
“The King alone can give your Majesty the desired information.”
“So you go away,” said she, with profound sorrow overcoming the irritation from Charny’s reserve, “to run into dangers afar, and I am not to know what they are!”