"Then tell the queen boldly that she is mistaken."
"But are you sure that you are not mistaken?"
"Wait a moment; I prefer to have no reason for self-reproach, so I will tell you."
Nanon went to her study, and consulted her register at the letter R. It contained no memorandum of a commission issued to Richon.
"You can go back to the queen," she said, returning, "and tell her fearlessly that she is in error."
Monsieur d'Épernon did not pause to take breath between Nanon's house and the hôtel de ville.
"Madame," said he, proudly, as he entered the queen's apartment, "I am innocent of the crime imputed to me. The appointment of Monsieur Richon was made by your Majesty's ministers."
"In that case my ministers sign themselves D'Épernon," retorted the queen, dryly.
"How so?"
"It must be so, as that signature is written at the foot of Monsieur Richon's commission."