“In the first place, doctor,” replied the royal lady, “you fall into a grave error shared with many more, I admit: you think that I have influence over the King. You believe that he follows my inspirations? You mistake: if any body has a sway over him, it is Lady Elizabeth; the proof is that she yesterday sent one of my servitors, Count Charny, on an errand without my knowing whither he goes or what is its aim.”
“Still, if your Majesty will surmount her repugnance to Mirabeau, I can answer for bringing the King round to my views.”
“Is not such repugnance based on a motive, tell me?” counterqueried the lady.
“In politics, there should be neither sympathy nor antipathy; only the meetings of principles and combinations of gains, and I ought to say that gains are surer than principles.”
“Do you believe that this man who has publicly insulted me, would consent to join us?”
“He is entirely yours: when a Mirabeau turns from monarchy, it is like a horse that shies; reminded of his allegiance by whip or spur, he will resume his place in the right road.”
“But he is for the Duke of Orleans?”
“So far from him is he, that on hearing of the duke going over to England when Lafayette threatened him, he said: ‘They say I am in his pay! I would not have him for my lackey.'”
“That reconciles him some with me,” said the lady, trying to smile: “if I could believe he might be relied on——“
“Well?”