"It causes a grave debate in the council," replied Sausse.
"Why? is its validity doubted by any chance?" proceeded the King.
"No; but it is doubted that it is really in the hands of Lady Korff, and the rumor spreads that it covers the Royal Family."
Louis hesitated an instant, but then, making up his mind, he said:
"Well, yes; I am the King. You see the Queen and the children; I entreat you to deal with them with the respect the French have always shown their sovereigns."
The street door had remained open to the staring multitude; the words were heard without. Unhappily, though they were uttered with a kind of dignity, the speaker did not carry out the idea in his bob wig, grey coat, and plain stockings and shoes.
How could anybody see the ruler of the realm in this travesty?
The Queen felt the flush come to her eyes at the poor impression made on the mob.
"Let us accept Madam Sausse's hospitality," she hastened to say, "and go upstairs."
Meanwhile the news was carried to the town house and the tumult redoubled over the town.