She again kissed her, and led her by the hand towards the cumbrous coach which was to bear her to Paris. As Anne was preparing to mount into it, assisted by her page and Laporte, who had reappeared, the Chevalier de Jars approached hastily, and bowed before her.
“How now, Chevalier! any more ill news? What is your business here?” asked Anne.
“It is with this lady,” said he, turning to the maid of honour. “Mademoiselle de Hautefort, you cannot accompany her Majesty to Paris.”
“Why, Chevalier?” demanded Anne impatiently, still holding her hand.
“Because I am commanded to make known to you that Mademoiselle de Hautefort is exiled from France during his Majesty’s pleasure. I am charged, mademoiselle, to show you this token,” and he produced the other half of the golden medallion which Louis had broken during their interview at Fontainebleau. “The King bid me say that by this token he himself commands your instant departure.”
The Queen clasped her in her arms.
“My poor Hautefort, is it indeed so? Must I lose my trusty friend?”
Mademoiselle de Hautefort threw herself, weeping bitterly, at the Queen’s feet.
“Alas! Madame,” sobbed she, “I am banished because I have been faithful to you!”
“Have you got another order—for my arrest, par exemple, Chevalier?” asked the Duchess archly. “I have also committed the awful crime of faithfulness to her Majesty. I suppose I shall go next.”