“Do you recollect whether she took any ornaments to her last resting place?”
“Excepting the golden cross which your Majesty hung round her neck on the day she took the vow, no jewelry was put on the princess. The duchess even drew the little sapphire ring from her royal highness’ finger, to keep it as a remembrance and wear it herself.”
“You are absolutely certain that the cross went into the coffin? You could swear to it?”
“I could do so with fullest conviction, your Majesty.”
“Would you recognize the cross?”
“To be sure I should.”
“Is this it?”
“Good Heavens—it is! On the back there ought to be the initials of her royal highness!”
“Here they are,” said the king, reversing the cross. The old woman shrank back appalled.
“Then, your Majesty, the vault has been broken into!”