“I know,” said the marshal. “They have already hinted at annexation.”
“Annexation to France, of course. Now then, monsieur, if we stay at all, we shall have to fight the United States. But do you imagine that we would undertake such a fight for Maximilian? Parbleu, the French people would mob Napoleon over night. But, supposing we were to do it for ourselves, and not for an impecunious archduke––”
His Excellency’s eyes blazed. “Ah, it would be a fight superb!”
“And you commanding, Monsieur le Maréchal. And behind you, with our own pantalons rouges, those Confederates against 241their old enemies. Then would be the moment to set your knight on the chess board. And,” she added insidiously, “France would need a viceroy over here.”
The plain soldier started as though shot.
“Mademoiselle,” he gasped, “you–you are Napoleon! The great Napoleon, I salute you, mademoiselle!”
“Hélas, monsieur, that I am not in a position to credit Napoleon III. with what I have said!”
“Yet you wish me to believe that you are only inspired by him? Pardon me, mademoiselle, but he is the inspired one, and–mon Dieu, I do not blame him!”
“But it’s very simple,” said Jacqueline, “and honorable too. Maximilian’s bad faith nullifies our treaty with him. Très bien, we are free, free to withdraw our troops. At least we may threaten as much. Then he will, he must abdicate, unless–well, unless he first sees Your Excellency’s prisoner.”
She arose, feeling that she was leaving a good Frenchman behind her. But Madame la Maréchale appeared to bid her adieu, and Madame la Maréchale looked sharply from one to another, noting especially Bazaine’s flush of enthusiasm. The good Frenchman straightway became uneasy. And Jacqueline, riding back to Chapultepec in her carriage with its coronet and arms and footmen, did not know that Driscoll had not been incommunicado against Madame la Maréchale. Who could be? And Madame la Maréchale betimes had paid her respects to a third woman, who also was but little more than a girl. She and the Empress Charlotte had discussed both the prisoner and Jacqueline.