“You give me your word of honor that three nights ago you were in Mademoiselle’s apartments?”
“I do.”
“Your word of honor as a gentleman?”
“Your Majesty has said it.”
“Oh, this is infamous—infamous!” cried Mademoiselle.
“And you, Countess, what do you say?” continued the Queen.
“It is a falsehood, a dastardly falsehood!”
A look of relief swept over the old Duke’s face then. His apprehension gave place to a growing anger. I could realize how hard it was for him to remain quiet beyond that curtain. As for me I would have given everything on earth to go out and kill du Trémigon.
“You do not wish to marry this man—pardon, this gentleman—Gabrielle?” asked Marie Antoinette.
“I would rather kill myself!”