Louis read it with frowning brows; then passed it to the Queen.
“Have you the necklace now?” he asked Rohan.
“Sir, I left it in the hands of this woman Valois.”
“Where is this woman?”
“I do not know, Sire.”
“And the letter of authority bearing the Queen's signature, which the jewellers say you presented to them—where is that?”
“I have it, Sire. I will place it before you. It is only now that I realize that it is a forgery.”
“Only now!” exclaimed the Queen in scorn.
“Her Majesty's name has been compromised,” said the King sternly. “It must be cleared. As King and as husband my duty is clear. Your Eminence must submit to arrest.”
Rohan fell back a step in stupefaction. For disgrace and dismissal he was prepared, but not for this.