M. B. Madame, it is the embassador from Portugal.
M. A. The embassador from Portugal! There is none here, M. Boehmer.
M. B. He came expressly for this, Madame.
M. A. Well, so much the better for the Queen of Portugal. We will speak of it no more.
M. B. We could not let the diamonds leave France without expressing our regret to your Majesty. It is a necklace which is now known all over Europe, and we wished to know definitely that your Majesty really refused it before we parted with it.
M. A. My refusal has been made public, and has been too much applauded for me to repent it.
M. B. Oh, Madame, if the people found it admirable that your Majesty preferred a ship of war to a necklace, the nobility at least would not think it surprising if you bought the necklace after all.
M. A. Do not speak of it any more!
M. B. It has touched your Majesty’s neck; it ought not to belong to any one else. We will return to-morrow.
M. A. Impossible! I have amused myself with these jewels; to do more would be a fault.