"First.—The writing, the basis of the trial, the note and signatures, are declared to be forged in imitation of the queen's hand.
"Second.—Count Lamotte is sentenced in contumacion to the galleys for life.
"Third.—The woman Lamotte to be whipped, marked on both shoulders with the letter O, and to be confined for life.
"Fourth.—Retaux de Vilette to be banished for life from France.
"Fifth.—Mademoiselle Oliva is discharged.
"Sixth.—The lord cardinal—"
"Well," cried the queen, passionately, "why do you stammer, why do you tremble? He has been discharged; I know it already, for we are already at the names of the acquitted. Read on, Campan."
And Madame de Campan read on:
"The lord cardinal is acquitted from every charge, and is allowed to publish this acquittal."
"Acquitted!" cried the queen, springing from her seat, "acquitted! Oh, Campan, what I feared is true. The Queen of France has become the victim of cabals and intrigues. The Queen of France in her honor, dignity, and virtue, is injured and wounded by one of her own subjects, and there is no punishment for him; he is free. Pity me, Campan! But no, on the contrary, I pity you, I pity France! If I can have no impartial judges in a matter which darkens my character, what can you, what can all others hope for, when you are tried in a matter which touches your happiness and honor? [Footnote: The very words of the queen See "Memoires de Madame de Campan," vol. ii., o. 23.] I am sad, sad in my inmost soul, and it seems to me as if this instant were to overshadow my whole life; as if the shades of night had fallen upon me, and—what is that? Did you blow out the light, Campan?"