“And this man makes predictions which are accomplished?”
“Strange and incredible ones; he moves in the present with a certainty which makes one believe in his knowledge of the future.”
“So that you would believe if he forecast to you?”
“I should at least act as though it might happen.”
“Would you prepare to meet a shameful, terrible and untimely death if he foreshowed it?”
“After having tried to escape it by all manner of means,” rejoined Gilbert, looking steadily at her.
“Escape? No, doctor, no! I see that I am doomed,” said the Queen. “This revolution is a gulf in which will be swallowed up the throne: this people is a lion to devour me.”
“Yet it depends on you to have it couch at your feet like a lamb.”
“Doctor, all is broken between the people and me; I am hated and scorned.”
“Because you do not really know each other. Cease to be a queen and become a mother to them; forget you are daughter of Maria Theresa, our ancient enemy, the sister of Joseph our false friend. Be French, and you will hear the voices rise to bless you, and see arms held out to fondle you.”