There was such sorrow in the tone that Charny guessed the reason and took two steps towards her.
"I have just arrived and I was going to crave the King's permission for me to pay my respects to your Majesty," he said.
The blood reappeared on her cheeks; she had not heard that voice for a long while and the sweet tone charmed her ears. She held out both hands towards him but brought back one upon her heart from its beating too violently. Charny noticed all this although in the short space required for the King to pick up the paper, which the draft from the door had floated to the side of the room.
The King read without understanding.
"What is the meaning of the word 'Flee' three times written, and the fragment of a signature?" inquired he.
"Sire, it seems that Mirabeau died ten minutes ago, and that is the advice he sends you."
"It is good advice," returned the King, "and this time the instant to put it into execution has come."
The Queen looked at them both, and said to the count:
"Follow me, my lord."