“Must I recall the terms of that pledge? I burnt the paper but I remember the words; and thus you wrote:
“'Andrea: You have saved me! my honor and my life are saved by you. In the name of that reputation which costs you so dear, I vow that you may call me sister; do it, and you will not see me blush. I place this writing in your hands as pledge of my gratitude and the dower I owe you. Your heart is the noblest of boons and it will value aright the present I offer.
‘Marie Antoinette.'”
“Forgive me, Andrea, I thought that he loved you.”
“Did you believe it the law of the affections that when one loves a woman less he loves another woman more?”
She had undergone so much that she became cruel in her turn.
“So you too perceive his love falling off?” questioned the Queen dolefully.
Without replying Andrea watched the despairing sovereign and something like a smile was defined on her lips.
“Oh heaven, what must I do to retain this fleeting love? my life that ebbs? Oh, if you know the way, Andrea, my friend and sister, tell me, I supplicate you!” She held out both hands from which the other receded one step.