The mistress of ceremonies did not appear to have heard a word of this address. Marie Antoinette reddened, and threw back her head.
"I request Madame de Noailles," repeated she, changing her tone, "to retire into the reception-room. I wish to speak with Count von Mercy alone."
"I must be permitted to say that your majesty's request cannot be granted," replied Madame de Noailles. "No Queen of France is permitted to receive a foreign ambassador otherwise than in the presence of the court. I shall have to ask his majesty's pardon for a breach of decorum, which I was too late to prevent—the reception of the ambassador here with myself alone to witness the interview."
The queen's eyes flashed with anger as she listened to this presumptuous language.
"You will have to ask pardon of no one but myself, madame, for your unseemly language to your sovereign."
"Excuse me, your majesty, I perform my duty, and this requires of me to see that no one here commits any breach of court etiquette. The laws of etiquette are as binding upon the queen as upon her subjects—and she cannot infringe them."
"I announce to you, madame, that no laws of yours shall be binding upon me. The Queen of France is here to make laws—not to receive them. And for the last time I command you to quit this room, and to leave me alone with the representative of my imperial mother."
Madame de Noailles made a deep courtesy, and backed out of the room.
Marie Antoinette looked after her, until the last traces of her long train had vanished, and the silk portiere had fallen in its place.
"Ah!" said she, taking a long breath, "at last I have gained a victory. It is now my turn to lecture, and madame has received her first scolding. Well, count, now that she is fairly off, what have you to tell me from Vienna?"