"Monsieur Count," said he, "they say that you can remove flaws from a diamond. Is it so?"
"Yes, sire," answered the count.
"Then here is a diamond that would be worth fifty thousand livres except for this flaw; it is not worth five thousand now. Can you remedy it?"
"I can try, sire," answers the count, and he slips it into his waistcoat.
Would you believe it? He brings it in this morning sound and whole and without flaw.
"I myself," says Monsieur de Gontat, "was present when the jeweller appraised it. His Majesty said that he would keep it as one of the greatest curiosities of his cabinet."
Monsieur de Gontat had hardly ended his story when Oliver and Céleste were announced.
Madame de Pompadour ceased her fanning and turned her head languidly as they were ushered across the room and presented.
The Marquis de Flourens, who had come with them, was also presented. He paid his respects, and then immediately withdrew to one side, and was absorbed in the little group of those in waiting.