“The Duchess Stephanie has seen his Majesty.”
“When?”
“This morning, in a long and painful interview. I was present. What passed has convinced his Majesty of the character of this mademoiselle.”
This was the one thing I had feared.
“I do not believe that of the Emperor,” I said firmly. Our eyes met and I tried in vain to read the expression in his.
“From that quarter the mademoiselle can look for no countenance—now,” he returned, with slow incisive significance.
I began to understand.
“I have yet to see him and tell my story,” I answered.
“I repeat, there can be no inquiry, monsieur.”
“It will arise out of any trial of the mademoiselle,” I said significantly.