So saying, the emperor turned once more to salute the people, and then ascended the white marble steps which led to the terrace of the palace. The two monarchs and the glittering courtiers disappeared amid the "vivas" of the multitude, and now they became suddenly silent.
In the midst of this silence, the same voice which had so sharply criticised the king, was heard. Again it spoke as follows
"Marsorio has made another epigram, and mistaking me for Pasquin has just whispered it in my ear!"
"What did he say? Tell us what our good Marsorio says! Repeat the epigram!" saluted the speaker on every side.
"Here it is," returned the voice.
"A nos yeux etonnes de sa simplicite Falkenstein a montre la majeste sans faste; Chez nous par un honteux contraste Qu'a-t'il trouve? Faste sans majeste." [Footnote: Ramshorn, page 146.]
CHAPTER CXVIII.
THE DINNER EN FAMILLE.
Meanwhile the king and the emperor reached the apartment which opened into the private dining-room of the royal family. The princes with their wives were already there; but Marie Antoinette always came at the last moment. She dreaded the sarcasm of the Count de Provence, and the sullen or contemptuous glances of the king. She would have given much to return to the old stiff, public ceremonial which she had banished, but that she could not do. It would have been too great a concession to the court. Her only refuge was to stay away as long as decorum allowed, and after the emperor's arrival she never entered the room until he had been announced.
To-day she was even later than usual; and the king, who like other mortals, was hungry after his walk, began to grow sulky at the delay. When at last she entered the room, he scarcely vouchsafed her an inclination of the head as he rose to conduct her to the table. The queen seemed not to perceive the omission. She gave him her hand with a sweet smile, and despite his ill-humor, Louis could not suppress a throb as he saw how brilliantly beautiful she was.