“Of the same Prophet? what fate awaits him?”
“Untimely, terrible and infamous like that you mentioned.”
“Then you speak truly—no time must be lost in giving the lie to this prophet of evil.”
“You were going to tell Favras that you accepted his aid?”
“He was advised and I am awaiting his reply.”
She had not long to wait, for Isidore Charny was ushered in by the Princess Lamballe.
“I am told that I may speak before Dr. Gilbert,” said he. “Then, know that Marquis Favras was arrested an hour ago and imprisoned in the Chatelet.”
Bright but despairing and full of ire, the Queen’s glance crossed that of the doctor. All her wrath seemed spent in that flash.
“Madam,” said Gilbert with deep pity, “if I can be useful in any way, make use of me. I lay at your feet my mind, my life, my devotion.”
“Dr. Gilbert,” she said in a slow and resigned voice, “is it your opinion that the death given by this dread engine is as sweet as the inventor asserts?”