This bold act was received by the judiciary with a frown, by the other spectators with a murmur of applause, and by the beautiful daughter of the house of Mancini with one of those bewitching smiles which have been celebrated in the sonnets of Benserade, Corneille, Moliere, St. Evremont, and La Fontaine.
She sank into the luxurious depths of the arm-chair, and her "particular friends" drew nearer, and stationed themselves around it.
"Now, gentlemen," said she, in the tone of a queen about to hold a levee, "now I am ready. What is it that you are curious to know as regards my manner of life?"
"First, your name, title, rank, position, age, and—"
"Oh, gentlemen!" cried Marianna, interrupting the president in his nomenclature, "is it possible that you can be so uncivil as to ask a lady her age? I warn you, if you persist in your indiscreet curiosity, that you will compel me to resort to falsehood, for I positively will not tell you how old I am. As regards the rest of your questions, you are all acquainted with my name, title, rank, and position. Let us come to the point."
"So be it," replied the president, who was gradually changing his tone, and assuming a demeanor less haughty toward the duchess. "You are accused of an attempt on the life of the Duke de Bouillon."
"Who are my accusers?" asked Marianna.
"You shall hear," replied Laraynie, trying to resume his official severity. "Are you acquainted with La Voisin?"
"Yes, I know her," said Marianna, without any embarrassment whatever.
"Why did you desire to rid yourself of your husband?" was the second interrogatory.