"Then you really think she has re-embarked?" asked the duchess.
"I can positively assure you," said the prefect, "that she is at this moment in the dominions of the king of Sardinia, from whom France is about to ask an explanation."
"Poor king of Sardinia! He will give a very simple one."
"What?"
"He will say, 'I always knew Madame was a crazy creature; but I never thought her craziness would lead her quite as far as this--'"
"Madame! madame!" said the old man.
"Ah, ça! Monsieur de la Myre," said the duchess, "I do hope that although you interfere with my wishes, you will have the grace to respect my opinions,--all the more because I am sure they are those of Monsieur le préfet. Are they not, monsieur?"
"The truth is," said that functionary, laughing, "that her Royal Highness has behaved in this whole affair with the utmost folly."
"There! you see," said the duchess. "What would happen, Monsieur le préfet, if these rumors were true and Madame should really come to La Vendée?"
"How can she get here?" asked the prefect.