 Chapter 47 of The Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumas The translator is unknown. The Slipper-Vox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Gael Timmerman Vaughn. Chapter 47. Jean Protected. Mistress of such a secret, rich in such a future, and supported by such a friend, Jean felt herself strong against the world. To appear at court no longer as a suppliant, as a poor mendicant, drawn from poverty by Madame de Boulin-Viet, but as of Allois, with an income of one hundred thousand francs, to be called the favourite of the Queen and consequently governing the King and state through her. Such was the panorama that floated before the eyes of Jean. She went to Versailles. She had no audience promised, but she trusted to her good fortune, and as the Queen had received her so well before, all the officials were anxious to serve her. Therefore one of the doorkeepers said aloud, as the Queen came from Chapel to one of her gentlemen, Monsieur, what am I to do? Here is Madame la Conteste de la Mont-Valois, asking admission, and she has no letter of audience. The Queen heard and turned round. Did you say Madame de la Mont-Valois was here? She asked. Your Majesty, the doorkeeper says so. I will receive her, bring her to my bathroom. The man told Jean what he had done. She drew out her purse, but he said, Well Madame la Conteste allow this debt to accumulate? Someday she can pay me with interest. You are right, my friend. I thank you. Marie-Antoinette looked serious when Jean entered. She supposes I am come to beg, thought Jean. Madame, said the Queen, I have not yet had an opportunity to speak to the King. Oh, your Majesty has already done too much for me. I asked nothing more. I came. She hesitated. Is it something urgent that you did not wait to ask for an audience? Urgent? Yes, Madame, but not for myself. For me then? And the Queen conducted her into the bathroom, where her women were waiting for her. Once in the bath she sent them away. Now Countess. Madame, said Jean, I am much embarrassed. Why so? Your Majesty knows the kindness I have received from Monsieur de Rouen, the Queen frowned. Well Madame, yesterday his eminence came to see me and spoke to me as usual of your Majesty's goodness and kindness. What does he want? I expressed to him all my sense of your generosity, which constantly empties your purse, and told him that I felt almost guilty in thinking of your Majesty's gift to myself. And remembering that were it not for such liberality, your Majesty need not have been forced to deny yourself the beautiful necklace which became you so well. When I related this circumstance to Monsieur de Rouen, I saw him grow pale and tears come into his eyes. Indeed Madame, his fine face, full of admiration for and emotion caused by your noble contact, is ever before my eyes. Well Countess, if he has impressed you so deeply, I advise you not to let him see it. Monsieur de Rouen is a worldly prelate and gathers the sheep as much for himself as for his Lord. Oh Madame! It is not I who say it, that is his reputation. He almost glories in it. His trophies are numerous, and some of them have made no little scandal. Well Madame, I am sure he thought then of no one but your Majesty. The Queen laughed. Your Majesty's modesty will not allow you to listen to praises. Not from the Cardinal. I suspect them all. It is not my part, replied Jean respectfully, to defend anyone who has incurred your Majesty's displeasure. Monsieur de Rouen has offended me, but I am a Queen and a Christian, and do not wish to dwell on offences. Jean was silent. You think differently to me on this subject? Completely your Majesty. You would not speak so if you knew what he has done against me. But as you have so great a friendship for him, I will not attack him again before you. You have not then forgotten the diamonds. Oh Madame, I have thought of them night and day. They will look so well on your Majesty. What do you mean? They are sold to the Portuguese Ambassador. Jean shook her head. Not sold, cried the Queen. Yes Madame, but to Monsieur de Rouen. Oh, said the Queen, becoming suddenly cold again. Oh your Majesty, cried Jean, do not be ungenerous towards him. It was the impulse of a generous heart that your Majesty should understand and sympathize with. When he heard my account he cried. What? The Queen refused herself such a thing. And perhaps see it one day worn by one of her subjects. And when I told him that it was bought for the Queen of Portugal, he was more indignant than ever. He cried. It is no longer a simple question of pleasure for the Queen, but of the dignity of the French crown. I know the spirit of foreign courts. They will laugh at our Queen, because they happen to have more money to spare. And I will never suffer this. And he left me abruptly. An hour after I heard that he had bought the Necus. For one million five hundred thousand francs. One million six hundred thousand madame. With what intention? That at least if your Majesty would not have them, no one else should. Are you sure it is not for some mistress? I am sure he would rather break it to pieces than see it on any other neck than your own. Marie-Antoinette reflected, and her expressive countenance showed clearly every thought that passed through her mind. At last she said, what Monsieur Laurent has done is a noble trait of a delicate devotion, and you will thank him for me. Oh yes, madame. You will add that he has proved to me his friendship, and that I accept it, but not his gift. But madame. No, but as alone. He has advanced his money and his credit to please me. And I will repay him, while me has asked for the money down. Yes, madame. How much? One hundred thousand francs. That is my quarter's allowance from the king. I received it this morning. It is in advance, but still I have it. She rang the bell. Her woman came and wrapped her in warm sheets, and then she dressed herself. Once more alone in her bedroom was Jean. She said, open that drawer, and you will see a portfolio. Here it is, madame. It holds the one hundred thousand francs. Count them. Jean obeyed. Take them to the cardinal with my thanks. Each quarter I will pay the same. In this manner I shall have the necklace, which pleased me so much. And if it embarrasses me to pay for it, at least it will not hurt the king. And I shall have gained the knowledge that I have a friend who has guessed my wishes. Then after a pause you will add countess that Monsieur de Rouen will be welcome at Versailles to receive my thanks. Jean went away full of joy and a light. End of Chapter 47 Chapter 48 of The Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumas. The translator is unknown. The Stuporox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughn. Chapter 48 The Queen's Portfolio The cardinal was at home when Madame de la Mort came to his hotel. She had herself announced and was immediately admitted. You come from Versailles, said he? Yes. Well? Well, Monsignor, what do you expect? Ah, countess, you say that with an air that frightens me. You wished me to see the Queen and I have seen her, and that I should speak to her of you whom she is always so much disliked. And you did? Yes. And her Majesty listened. Say no more, countess. I see she will not overcome her repugnance. Oh, as to that, I spoke of the necklace. And did you dare to say that I wished? To buy it for her, yes. Oh, countess, you are sublime, and she listened. Yes, but she refused. Oh, I am lost. Refused to accept it as a gift, but not as alone. I lend to the Queen, countess, it is impossible. It is more than giving, is it not? A thousand times. So I thought. The cardinal Rosen came towards her. Do not deceive me, he said. When does not play with the affections of a man like you, Monsignor? Then it is true. The exact truth. I have a secret with the Queen. And he pressed Jean's hand. I like that clasp of the hand, she said, it is like one man to another. It is that of a happy man to a protecting angel. Monsignor, do not exaggerate. Oh, my joy, my gratitude, impossible. But lending a million and a half to the Queen is not all you wish for. Buckingham would have asked for more. Buckingham believed what I dare not even dream of. The Queen sends you word that she will see you with pleasure at Versailles. The cardinal looked as pale as a youth who gives his first kiss of love. Ah, thought she. It is still more serious than I imagined. I can get what I please from him, for he acts really not from ambition, but from love. He quickly recovered himself, however. My friend, said he. How does the Queen mean to act about this loan she talks of? Ah, you think she has no money, but she will pay you as she would have paid Bonet. Only if she had paid him all Paris must have known it, which she would not have liked. After the credit she has had for her refusal of it. You are a cashier for her and a solvent one, if she becomes embarrassed. She is happy and she pays. Ask no more. She pays? Yes. She knows you have debts and when I told her you had advanced one hundred thousand francs. You told her? Yes, why not? Jean put her hand in her pocket and drew out the portfolio. The Queen sends you this with thanks. It is all right, for I have counted it. Who cares for that, but the portfolio? Well, it is not handsome. It pleases me nevertheless. You have good taste. Ah, you quiz me. You have the same taste as the Queen at all events. Then it was hers. Do you wish for it? I cannot deprive you of it. Take it. Oh, Countess, you are a precious friend, but while you have worked for me I have not forgotten you. Jean looked surprised. Yes, said he, my banker, came to propose to me some plan of a marsh to drain, which must be profitable. I took two hundred shares, and fifty of them are for you. Oh, Monsignor! He soon returned. He had realised already on them cent per cent. He gave me one hundred thousand francs, and here is your share, dear Countess. And from the pocket-book she had just given him, he slid twenty-five thousand francs into her hand. Thanks, Monsignor. What gratifies me most is your thought of me. I shall never do so, said he, kissing her hand. And I of you at Versailles. End of Chapter 48 Chapter 49 of The Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumas The translator is unknown. The Slupervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Gael Timmerman Vaughn. Chapter 49 In which we find Dr. Louis. Perhaps our readers, remembering in what a position we left Monsieur de Charny, will not like to return with us to that little anti-chambered Versailles, into which this brave seaman, who feared neither men nor elements, had fled, lest he should show his weakness to the Queen. Once arrived there he felt it impossible to go further. He stretched out his arms and was only saved from falling to the ground by the aid of those around. He then fainted and was totally ignorant that the Queen had seen him, and would have run to his assistants had under a knot prevented her, more even from a feeling of jealousy than from regard for appearances. Immediately after the King entered and seeing a man lying supported by two guards who, unaccustomed to see men faint, scarcely knew what to do, advanced, saying, Someone is ill here. At his voice the men started and let their burden fall. Oh! cried the King, it is Monsieur de Charny. Place him on this couch, gentlemen. Then they brought him restoratives and sent for a doctor. The King waited to hear the result. The doctor's first care was to open the waistcoat and shirt of the young man, to give him air, and then he saw the wound. Oh! wound! cried the King. Yes, said Monsieur de Charny faintly, an old wound which has reopened, and he pressed the hand of the doctor to make him understand. But this was not a court doctor who understands everything, so, willing to show his knowledge. Old, sir, this wound is not twenty-four hours old. Charny raised himself at this and said, Do you teach me, sir, when I receive my wound? Then turning round he cried, the King, and hastened a button his waistcoat. Yes, Monsieur de Charny, who fortunately arrived in time to procure you assistance. A mere scratch, sir, stammered Charny, an old wound. Older knew, replied Louis, it has shown me the blood of a brave man. Whom a couple of hours in bed will quite restore, continued Charny, trying to rise, but his strength failed him, his head swam, and he sank back again. He is very ill, said the King. Yes, sir, said the doctor with importance, but I can cure him. The King understood well that Monsieur de Charny wished to hide some secret from him and determined to respect it. I do not wish, said he, that Monsieur de Charny should run the risk of being moved. We will take care of him here. But let Monsieur de Souffrene be called, this gentleman recompensed, and my own physician, Dr. Louis, be sent for. While one officer went to execute these orders, two others carried Charny into a room at the end of the gallery. Dr. Louis and Monsieur de Souffrene soon arrived. The latter understood nothing of his nephew's illness. It is strange, said he. Do you know, doctor, I never knew my nephew ill before? That proves nothing, replied the doctor. The arrow of Versailles must be bad for him. It is his wound, said one of the officers. His wound, cried Monsieur de Souffrene. He was never wounded in his life. Oh, excuse me, said the officer, opening the shirt covered with blood. But I thought— Well, said the doctor, who began to see the state of the case. Do not let us lose time disputing over the cause. Let's see what can be done to cure him. Is it dangerous, doctor? Asked Monsieur de Souffrene with anxiety. Not at all, replied he. Monsieur de Souffrene took his leave, and left Charny with a doctor. Fever commenced, and before long he was delirious. Three hours after the doctor called a servant, and told him to take Charny in his arms, who uttered doleful cries, roll the sheet over his head, said the doctor. But, said the man, he struggles so much, that I must ask assistance from one of the guards. Are you afraid of a sick man, sir? If he is too heavy for you, you are not strong enough for me. I must send you back to Auvergne. This threat had its effect. Charny, crying, fighting, and gesticulating, was carried by the man through the guards. Some of the officers questioned the doctor. Oh, gentlemen, said he. This gallery is too far off for me. I must have him in my own rooms. But I assure you, doctor, we would all have looked after him here. We all love Monsieur de Souffrein. Oh, yes, I know your sort of care. The sick man is thirsty, and you give him something to drink, and kill him. Now there remains but one danger, said the doctor to himself, as he followed Charny. That the king should want to visit him. And if he hear him, Diable, I must speak to the queen. The good doctor, therefore, having bathed the head and face of his patient with cold water, and seen him safe in bed, went out, and locked the door on him, leaving his servant to look after him. He went towards the queen's apartments and met Madame de Miserie, who had just been dispatched to ask after the patient. Come with me, he said. But doctor, the queen waits for intelligence. I am going to her. The queen wishes. The queen shall know all she wishes. I will take care of that. End of Chapter 49 Chapter 50 of The Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumas The translator is unknown. The Supervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Gael Timmerman Vaughn. Chapter 50 Agrae Somnia The queen was expecting the return of Madame de Miserie. The doctor entered, with his accustomed familiarity. Madame, he said, the patient, in whom your Majesty and the King are interested, is as well as anyone can be who has a fever. Is it a slight wound? Asked the queen. Sight or not, he is in a fever. Poor fellow, a bad fever. Terrible. You frighten me, dear doctor. You who are generally so cheering. Besides, you look about you, as though you had a secret to tell. So I have. About the fever? Yes. To tell me? Yes. Speak then, for I am curious. I wait for you to question me, Madame. Well, how does the fever go on? No. Ask me why I have taken him away from the guard's gallery, where the king left him, to my own room. Well, I ask. Indeed, it is strange. Then, Madame, I did so, because it is not an ordinary fever. The queen looked surprised. What do you mean? Monsieur de Charny is delirious already, and in his delirium he says a number of things rather delicate, for the gentleman of the guard to hear. Doctor. Oh, Madame, you should not question me, if you do not wish to hear my answers. Well, then, dear doctor, is he an atheist? Does he blaspheme? Oh, no, he is on the contrary a devotee. The queen assumed a look of cinq fois. Monsieur de Charny, she said, interests me. He is the nephew of Monsieur de Souffren, and has, besides rendered me personal services. I wish to be a friend to him. Tell me, therefore, the exact truth. But I cannot tell you, Madame, if your Majesty wishes to know the only way is to hear him yourself. What if he says such strange things? Things which your Majesty ought to hear. But, said the queen, I cannot move a step here without some charitable spy watching me. I will answer for your security. Come through my private way, and I will lock the door after us. I trust you, then, dear doctor. And she followed him, burning with curiosity. When I reached the second door, the doctor put his ear to the keyhole. Is your patient in there, doctor? No, Madame, or you would have heard him at the end of the corridor. Even here you can hear his voice. He groans. No, he speaks loud and distinct. But I cannot go into him. I do not mean you to do so. I only wish you to listen in the adjoining room, where you will hear without being seen. They went on, and the doctor entered this sick room alone. Charny, still dressed in his uniform, was making fruitless efforts to rise, and was repeating to himself his interview with a German lady in the coach. German, he cried, German, Queen of France. Do you hear, Madame? It is frightful, continued Charny, to love an angel, a woman, to love her madly, to be willing to give your life for her, and when you come near her, to find her only a queen of velvet and of gold, of metal and of silk, and no heart. Oh, oh! cried the doctor again. I love a married woman, Charny went on. And with that wild love, which makes me forget everything else, well, I will say to her there remain for us still some happy days on this earth. Come, my beloved, and we will live the life of the Blessed if we love each other. Afterwards there will be death. Better than a life like this. Let us love at least. Not badly reasoned for a man in fever, said the doctor. But her children, cried Charny, suddenly with fury. She will not leave her children. Oh, we will carry them away also. Surely I can carry her. She is so light, and her children too. Then he gave a terrible cry. But they are the children of a king. The doctor left his patient and approached the queen. You are right, doctor, said she. This young man would incur a terrible danger if he were overheard. Listen again, said the doctor. Oh, no more. But just then Charny said in a gentler voice. Marie, I feel that you love me, but I will say nothing about it. Marie, I felt the touch of your foot in the coach. Your hand touched mine. But I will never tell. I will keep this secret with my life. My blood may all flow away, Marie. But my secret shall not escape with it. My enemy steeped his sword in my blood. But if he has guessed my secret, yours is safe. If you are nothing, Marie, I do not even ask you if you love me. You blushed. That is enough. Oh, thought the doctor. This sounds less like delirium than like memory. I have heard enough, cried the queen, rising and trembling violently, and she tried to go. The doctor stopped her. Madame, said he, what do you wish? Nothing, doctor, nothing. But if the king asked to see my patient, oh, that would be dreadful. What shall I say? Doctor, I cannot think. This dreadful spectacle has confused me. I think you have caught his fever, said the doctor, feeling her pulse. She drew away her hand and escaped. End of Chapter 50 Chapter 51 Of the Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumas The translator is unknown. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Gail Temmerman Vaughan Chapter 51 André The doctor remained thoughtful, then said to himself, There are other difficulties here, besides those I can contend with by science. He bathed again in the temples of his patient, who for the time began to grow calmer. All at once the doctor heard the rustling of a dress outside. Can it be the queen returned, thought he, and opening the door softly, he saw before him the motionless figure of a woman, looking like a statue of despair. It was almost dark. He advanced suddenly along the corridor to the place where the figure was standing. On seeing him she uttered a cry. Who is there? asked Dr. Louis. I, doctor, replied a sweet and sorrowful voice, a voice that he knew, but could not immediately recognize. I, André de Tavernet, continued she. Oh, Mondia, what is the matter? cried the doctor. Is she ill? She? Who? The doctor felt that he had committed an imprudence. Excuse me, but I saw a lady going away just now. Perhaps it was you. Oh, yes, there has been a lady here before me. Has there not? asked André, in a tone of emotion. My dear child, replied the doctor. Of whom do you speak? What do you want to know? Doctor answered André in a sorrowful voice. You always speak the truth. Do not deceive me now. I am sure there was a woman here before me. Daughter, why should I deceive you? Madame de Miserie was here. It was Madame de Miserie who came. Certainly. What makes you doubt? What inexplicable beings women are? Dear doctor. Well, but to the point. Is she worse? Who? Pardon you, the queen. The queen? Yes, the queen, for whom Madame de Miserie came to fetch me, and who has troubled with her palpitations. If you come from her, tell me, and we will go back together. No, doctor, I do not come from the queen, and was even ignorant that she was suffering. But pardon me, doctor. I scarcely know what I am saying. In fact, she seemed on the point of fainting. The doctor supported her. She rallied by a strong effort. Doctor, she said, You know I am nervous in the dark. I lost my way in these intricate passages, and have grown frightened and foolish. And why the devil should you be wandering about these dark passages, since you came for nothing? I did not say I came for nothing, only that no one sent me. Well, if you have anything to say to me, come away from here, for I am tired of standing. Oh, I shall not be ten minutes. Can anyone hear us? No one. Not even your patient in there? Oh, no fear of his hearing anything. André clasped her hands. Oh, mon Dieu! she cried. Is he then very ill? Indeed, he is not well. But tell me quickly, what brings you here, for I cannot wait. Well, doctor, we have spoken of it. I came to ask after him. Dr. Louis received this confession with a solemn silence, which André took for a reproach. You may excuse this step, doctor. She said, as he was wounded in a duel with my brother. Your brother? I was ignorant of that. But now that you know it, you understand why I inquire after him. Oh, certainly my child, said the good doctor, enchanted to find an excuse for being indulgent. I could not know this. A duel between two gentlemen is a thing of everyday occurrence, doctor. Certainly the only thing that could make it important would be that they have fought about a lady. About a lady. About yourself, for example. André sighed. Oh, doctor, they did not fight about me. Then, said the doctor, is it your brother that has sent you for news of Monsieur de Charny? Oh, yes, my brother, doctor. Dr. Louis looked at her scrutinizingly. I will find out the truth, thought he. Then he said, well, I will tell you the truth, that your brother may make his arrangements accordingly. You understand? No, doctor. Why, a duel is never a very agreeable thing to the king. And if it makes a scandal, he often banishes or imprisons the actors. But when death ensues, he is always inflexible. Therefore, counsel your brother to hide for a time. Then, cried André, Monsieur de Charny is dangerously ill? My dear young lady, if he is not out of danger by this time tomorrow, if before that time I cannot quell the fever that devours him, Monsieur de Charny is a dead man. André bit her lips till the blood came, and clenched her hands till the nails stuck into the flesh, to stifle the cry that was ready to burst from her. Having conquered herself, she said, my brother will not fly. He wounded Monsieur de Charny in a fair fight. And if he has killed him, he will take his chance. The doctor was deceived. She did not come on her own account, he thought. How does the queen take it? he asked. The queen? I know not. What is it to her? But she likes your brother. Well, he is safe, and perhaps she will defend him if he is accused. Then mademoiselle, you have learned what you wished. Let your brother fly, or not, as he pleases. That is your affair. Mine is to do the best tonight for the wounded man, without which death will infallibly carry him off. Adieu. André fled back to her room, locked herself in, and falling on her knees by the side of her bed. My God! cried she, with a torrent of burning tears. You will not leave this young man to die, who has done no wrong, and who was so loved in this world. Oh, save him, that I may see a God of mercy, and not of vengeance. Her strength gave way, and she fell senseless on the floor. When her senses returned to her, her first muttered words were, I love him. Oh, I love him. And Chapter 51 Chapter 52 Of the Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumont The translator is unknown. This Looper-Vox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughan. Chapter 52 Delirium Monsieur Descharnis conquered the fever. The next day the report was favourable. Once out of danger, Dr. Louis ceased to take so much interest in him, and after the lapse of a week, as he had not forgotten all that had passed in his delirium, he wished to have him removed from Versailles. But Charnis, at the first hint of this, rebelled, and said angrily that his Majesty had given him shelter there, and that no one had a right to disturb him. The doctor, who was not patient with intractable convalescence, ordered four men to come in and move him. But Charnis caught hold of his bed with one hand, and struck furiously with the other at every one who approached. And with the effort the wound reopened, the fever returned, and he began to cry out that the doctor wished to deprive him of the visions that he had in his sleep, or that it was all in vain, for that she who sent them to him was of too high rank to mind the doctor. Then the doctor, frightened, sent them in a way and dressed the wound again. But as the delirium returned stronger than ever, he determined to go once more to the Queen. Marie Antoinette received him with a smile. She expected to hear that the patient was cured, but on hearing that he was very ill she cried. Why yesterday you said he was going on so well. It was not true, Madame. And why did you deceive me? Is there then danger? Yes, Madame, to himself and others. But the evil is moral, not physical. The wound in itself is nothing, but Madame, Monsieur de Charnis is fast becoming a monomaniac, and this I cannot cure. Madame, you will have ruined this young man. I, doctor, am I the cause if he is mad? If you are not now, you soon will be. What must I do then? Command me, doctor. This young man must be cured either with kindness or coercion. The woman, whose name he evokes every instant, must kill or cure him. Doctor, you exaggerate. Can you kill a man with a hard word, or cure a mad man with a smile? If your Majesty be incredulous, I have only to pay my respects and take leave. No, doctor, tell me what you wish. Madame, if you desire to free this place from his cries and from scandal, you must act. You wish me to come and see him? Yes. Then I will call someone, Mademoiselle de Teflonet, for example, and you have all ready to receive us. But it is a dreadful responsibility to run the risk of kill or cure, as you say. It is what I have to do every day. Come, Madame, all is ready. The Queen sighed and followed the doctor without waiting for André, who was not to be found. It was eleven o'clock in the morning, and Charny was asleep, after the troubled night he had gone through. The Queen, attired in an elegant morning dress, entered the corridor. The doctor advised her to present herself suddenly, determined to produce a crisis, either for good or ill. But at the door they found a woman standing, who had not time to assume her usual unmoved tranquility, but showed an agitated countenance and trembled before them. André cried the Queen. Yes, Your Majesty, you are here too. I sent for you, but they could not find you. André anxious to hide her feelings, even at the price of a falsehood, said, I heard Your Majesty had asked for me, and came after you. How did you know I was here? Then said you were gone with Dr. Louis, so I guessed. Well guessed, replied the Queen, who was little suspicious and forgot immediately her first surprise. She went on leaving André with a doctor. André, seeing her disappear, gave a look full of anger and grief. The doctor said to her, Do you think she will succeed? Succeed in what? In getting this poor fellow removed, who will die here. Will he live elsewhere? asked André, surprised. I believe so. Oh, then may she succeed. End of Chapter 52 Chapter 53 of The Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumas The translator is unknown. This liberalx recording is in the public domain. Recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughn. Chapter 53 Convalescence The Queen walked straight up to where Channelé dressed on a couch. He raised his head, wakened by her entrance. The Queen, cried he, trying to rise. Yes, sir, the Queen, she replied, who knows how you strive to lose both reason and life. The Queen, whom you offend both dreaming and waking, the Queen, who cares for your honour and your safety, and therefore comes to you, is it possible, continued she, that a gentleman formerly renowned, like you, for his loyalty and honour, should become such an enemy as you have been to the reputation of a woman? What will my enemies do if you sent them the example of treason? Treason, stammered Charny. Yes, sir, either you are a madman, and must be forcibly prevented from doing harm, or you are a traitor and must be punished. Oh, madame, do not call me a traitor. From the mouth of a king, such an accusation would precede death. From the mouth of a woman, it is dishonour. Queen, kill me, or spare me. Are you in your right mind, Mr. de Charny, said the Queen, in a moved voice? Yes, madame. Do you remember your words towards me, and towards the King? Mon Dieu, he murmured. For you too easily forget, you gentleman, that the King is the husband of the woman whom you insult by raising your eyes to her, that he is the father of your future master, the Dauphin. You forget also that he is a greater and better man than any of you, a man whom I esteem and love. Oh, murmur Charny, with a groan, and seemed ready to faint. This cry pierced the Queen's heart. She thought he was about to die, and was going to call for assistance. But after an instant's reflection she went on. Let us converse quietly, and be a man. Dr. Louis has vainly tried to cure you. Your wound, which was nothing, has been rendered dangerous through your own extravagances. When will you cease to present to the good doctor the spectacle of a scandalous folly which disquietes him? When will you leave the castle? Madame replied Charny. Your Majesty sends me away. I go, I go. And he rose with a violent effort, as though he would have fled that instant, but unable to stand to fell almost into the arms of the Queen who had risen to stop him. She replaced him on the sofa. A bloody foam rose to his lips. Ah, so much the better, cried he. I die killed by you. The Queen forgot everything but his danger. She supported his drooping head on her shoulders, and pressed her cold hands to his forehead and heart. Her touch seemed to revive him as if by magic. He lived again. Then she wished to fly, but he caught hold of her dress saying, Madame, in the name of the respect which I feel for you. Adieu, adieu, cried the Queen. Oh, Madame, pardon me. I do pardon you. Madame, one last look. Monsieur de Charny said the Queen trembling, if you are not the basest of men, tomorrow you will be dead or have left this castle. He threw himself at her feet. She opened the door and rushed away. André saw for an instant the young man on his knees, before her, and felt struck with both hate and despair. She thought, as she saw the Queen return, that God had given too much to this woman, in adding to her throne and her beauty, this half-hour with Monsieur de Charny. The doctor occupied only with the success of the negotiation, said, Well, Madame, what will he do? He will leave, replied the Queen. And passing them quickly, she returned to her apartment. The doctor went to his patient, and André to her room. Dr. Louis found Charny a changed man, declaring himself perfectly strong, asking the doctor how he should be moved, and when he should be quite well, with so much energy that the doctor feared it was too much, and that he must relapse after it. He was however so reasonable, as to feel the necessity of explaining the sudden change. The Queen has done me more good by making me ashamed of myself, he said. Then you, dear doctor, with all your science, she has vanquished me with an appeal to my amour propre. So much the better, said the doctor. Yes, I remember that a Spaniard, there all boasters, told me one day to prove the force of his will, that it sufficed for him in a duel which he had fought, and in which he had been wounded, to will that the blood should not flow in the presence of his adversary, in order to retain it. I laughed at him. However, I now feel something like it myself. I think that if my fever and delirium wished to return, I could chase them away, saying, Fever and delirium, I forbid you to appear. We know such things are possible, replied the doctor. Allow me to congratulate you, for you are cured morally. Oh, yes. Well, the physical cure will soon follow. Once sound in mind, you will be sound in body within a week. Thanks, doctor. And to begin, you must leave this place. I am ready immediately. Oh, we will not be rash. We will wait till this evening. Where will you go? Anywhere, to the end of the world, if you like. That is too far for a first journey. We will content ourselves with Versailles. I have a house there, where you shall go to-night. Accordingly, that evening, the four valets who had been so rudely repulsed before, carried him to his carriage. The king had been hunting all day. Charney felt somewhat uneasy at leaving without apprising him, but the doctor promised to make his excuses. André, concealed behind her curtains, saw the carriage drive off. If he resumes his desire to die, thought the doctor. At least it will not be in my rooms, and under my care. Charney arrived safely. However, and the next day the doctor found him so well, that he told him he thought he would require him no longer. He received a visit from his uncle, and from an officer sent by the king to inquire after him. At the end of a week, he could ride slowly on horseback. Then the doctor advised him to go for a time to his estates in Picardie, to regain strength. He, accordingly, took leave of the king. Charged Monsieur de Soufren with his adieu's to the queen, who was ill that evening, and set off for a château at Brosson. End of Chapter 53 Chapter 54 of the Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumas The translator is unknown. The slip of rocks recording is in the public domain. Recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughn. Chapter 54 Two Bleeding Hearts On the day following the queen's visit to Monsieur de Charney, Mademoiselle de Tavernet entered the royal bedroom as usual at the hour of the petite toilette. The queen was just laughing over a note from Madame de la Motte. André, paler than usual, looked cold and grave. The queen, however, being occupied, did not notice it, but merely, turning her head to said, in her usual friendly tone, Bonjour petite. At last, however, André's silence struck her. And, looking up, she saw her sad expression and said, Mondieu André, what is the matter? Has any misfortune happened to you? Yes, Madame, a great one. What is it? I am going to leave your majesty. Leave me. Yes, Madame. Where are you going? And what is the cause of this sudden departure? Madame, I am not happy in my affections. In my family affections, I mean. Added André, blushing. I do not understand you. You seemed happy yesterday. No, Madame, replied André, firmly. Yesterday was one of the unhappy days of my life. Explain yourself. It would but fatigue your majesty, and the details are not worthy of your hearing. Suffice it to say that I have no satisfaction in my family, that I have no good to expect in this world. I come therefore to beg your majesty's permission to retire into a convent. The queen rose, and although with some effort to her pride, took André's hand and said, What is the meaning of this foolish resolution? Have you not today, like yesterday, a father and a brother, and were they different yesterday from today? Tell me your difficulties. Am I no longer your protectress and mother? André trembling and bowing low said, Madame, your kindness penetrates my heart, but does not shake my resolution. I have resolved to quit the court. I have need of solitude. Do not force me to give up the vocation to which I feel called, since yesterday. I beg your majesty not to make me speak on this point. Be free then, said the queen, rather bitterly. Only I have always shown you sufficient confidence for you to have placed some in me, but it is useless to question one who will not speak. Keep your secrets, and I trust you will be happier away than you have been here. Remember one thing, however, that my friendship does not expire with people's caprices, and that I shall ever look on you as a friend. Now go, André, you are at liberty, but where are you going to go? To the convent of Sant'Annie, Madame. Well, mademoiselle, I consider you guilty towards me of ingratitude and forgetfulness. André however left the room in the castle, without giving any of those explanations, which the good heart of the queen expected, and without in any way softening or humbling herself. When she arrived at home, she found Philippe in the garden, the brother dreamed while the sister acted. At the sight of André, whose duties always kept her with the queen at that hour, he advanced, surprised, and almost frightened, which was increased when he perceived her gloomy look. He questioned her, and she told him that she was about to leave the service of the queen and go into a convent. He clasped his hands and cried, What, you also sister? I also, what do you mean? Tizacrist contact for us, that of the Bourbons. You wish to take religious vows, you, at once the least worldly of women, and the least fit for a life of asceticism. What have you to reproach the queen with? I have nothing to reproach her with, but you, Philippe, who expected, and had the right to expect so much. Why did you not remain at court? You did not remain there three days. I have been there as many years. She is capricious, André. You, as a man, might put up with it. I, a woman, could not, and do not wish to do so. All this my sister does not inform me what quarrel you have had with her. None, Philippe, I assure you. Had you any when you left her? Oh, she is ungrateful. We must pardon her, André. She is a little spoiled by flattery, but she has a good heart. Witness what she has done for you, Philippe. What has she done? You have already forgotten. I have a better memory, and with one stroke pay off your debts and my own. Very dear, it seems to me, André, to renounce the world at your age and with your beauty. Take care, dear sister, if you renounce it young you will not regret it old, and will return to it when the time will be past and you have outlived all your friends. You do not reason thus for yourself, brother. You are so little careful of your fortunes that when a hundred others would have acquired titles and gold you have only said, she is capricious, she is perfidious, and a coquette, and I prefer not to serve her. Therefore you have renounced the world, though you have not entered into a monastery. You are right, sister, and were it not for our father. Our father? Awfully, do not speak of him, replied André bitterly. A father should be of support to his children, or accept their support. But what does ours do? Could you confide a secret to Monsieur de Tavelinet? Or do you believe him capable of confiding in you? Monsieur de Tavelinet is made to live alone in this world. True André, but not to die alone. Ah, Philippe, you take me for a daughter without feeling, but you know I am a fond sister, and who have been a good daughter required only to have had a father, but everything seems to conspire to destroy in me every tender feeling. It never happens in this world that hearts respond. Those whom we choose prefer others. Philippe looked at her with astonishment. What do you mean? said he. Nothing, replied André, shrinking from a confidence. I think my brain is wandering. Do not attend to my words. But—André took his hand. Enough on this subject, my dearest brother. I am come to beg you to conduct me to the convent of Saint-Denis. But be easy, I will take no vows. I can do that at a later period, if I wish. Instead of going like most women to seek forgetfulness, I will go to seek memory. It seems to me that I have too often forgotten my Creator. He is the only consolation, and he is really the only afflictor. In approaching him more nearly, I shall do more for my happiness than if all the rich and great in this world had combined to make life pleasant to me. Still, André, I oppose this desperate resolution, for you have not confided to me the cause of your despair. Despair, said she with a disdainful air. No, thank God, I am not despairing. No, a thousand times, no. This excess of disdain shows a state of mind which cannot last. If you reject the word despair, I must use that of peak. Peak! Do you believe that I am so weak as to yield up my place in the world through peak? Judge me by yourself, Philippe. If you were to retire to La Troppe, what would you call the cause of your determination? I should call it incurable grief. Well, Philippe, I adopt your words, for they suit me. Then, he replied, Brother and Sister are alike in their lives. Happy together, they have become unhappy at the same time. Then thinking further remonstrous is useless, he asked. When do you want to go? Tomorrow, even today, if it were possible. I shall be ready whenever you require me. André retired to make her preparations. Soon she received this note from Philippe. You can see our father at five o'clock this evening. He must be prepared for reproaches, but an adieu is indispensable. She answered, At five o'clock I will be with M. de Tavernay, all ready to start, and by seven we can be at Saint Denis, if you will give me up your evening. End of Chapter 54 Chapter 55 Of the Queen's Necklace By Alexandre Dumas The translator is unknown. The Slubervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Gael Timmermendon. Chapter 55 The Minister of Finance We have seen that the Queen, before receiving André, was smiling over a note from M. de la Motte. She was, however, rendered serious by the interview with M. de Tavernay. Scarcely had she gone when M. de Miserie came to announce M. de Calonne. He was a man of much intellect, but foreseeing that disaster was hanging over France, determined to think only of the present and enjoy it to the utmost. He was a courtier and a popular man. M. de Neckay had shown the impossibility of finding finances and called for reforms, which would have struck at the estates of the nobility and the revenues of the clergy. He exposed his designs too openly, and was overwhelmed by a torrent of opposition. To show the enemy your plan of attack is half to give them the victory. Calonne, equally alive to the danger, but seeing no way of escape, gave way to it. He completely carried with him the king and queen who implicitly believed in his system, and this is perhaps the only political fault which Louis XVI was guilty of towards posterity. M. de Calonne was handsome and had an ingratiating manner. He knew how to please a queen, and always arrived with a smile on his face, when others might have worn a frown. The queen received him graciously and said, Have we any money, M. de Calonne? Certainly, madame, we always have money. You are perfectly marvellous, replied she, an incomparable financier, for you seem always ready when we want money. How much does your majesty require? Explain to me first how you managed to find money when M. de Neckay declared that there was none. M. de Neckay was right, madame, for when I became minister on the 3rd of November 1783, there were but one thousand and two hundred francs in the public treasury. Had M. de Neckay, madame, instead of crying out, there is no money, done as I have done, and borrowed one hundred million, the first year, and one hundred and twenty-five million, the second, and had he been as sure as I am of a new loan of eighty million for the third, he would have been a true financier. Everyone can say there is no money, but not that there is plenty. That is what I compliment you on, sir, but how to pay all this? Oh, madame, be sure we shall pay it, replied he, with a strange smile. Well, I trust to you, said the queen. I now have a project, madame, replied he bowing, which will put two hundred million into the pockets of the nation, and seven million or eight million into your own. They will be welcome, but where are they to come from? Your majesty is aware that money is not of the same value in all the countries of Europe? Certainly, in Spain gold is dearer than in France. Your majesty is perfectly right. Gold in Spain has been for the last five or six years, or considerably more than in France. It results that the exporters gain on eight ounces of gold that they send from here, about the value of fourteen ounces of silver. That is a great deal. Well, madame, I mean to raise the price of gold one-fifth of this difference, and where we have now thirty Louis, we shall have thirty-two. That is a brilliant idea, cried the queen. I believe it, and am happy that it meets your majesty's approbation. Always have such, and I am sure you will soon pay our debts. But allow me, madame, to return to what you want of me, said the minister. Would it be possible to have it present? I am afraid it is too much. Cut on smiled in an encouraging manner. Five hundred thousand francs, continued the queen. Oh, madame, really, your majesty frightened me. I was afraid it was something great. Then you can, assuredly, without the king's knowledge. Oh, madame, that is impossible. Every month, oh, my accounts are laid before the king. However, he is not always read them. When can I have it? What day does your majesty wish for it? On the fifth of next month. Your majesty shall have it on the third. Thanks, monsieur de Canonne. My greatest happiness is to please your majesty, and I beg you will never allow yourself to be embarrassed for want of money. He rose, the queen gave him her hand to kiss, and then said, After all, this money causes me some remorse, for it is for a caprice. Never mind, someone will gain by it. That is true. You have a charming mode of consoling one. Oh, madame, if we had none of us more reasons for remorse than you, we should all go straight to heaven. But it will be cruel to make the poor people pay for my caprices. Have no scruples, madame. It is not the poor who will pay. How so? Asked the queen in some surprise. Because, madame, they have nothing to pay with. He bowed and retired. End of chapter 55. Chapter 56 of The Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumas. The translator is unknown. This Le Provox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughn. Chapter 56. The Cardinal de Rouen. Hardly had Monsieur de Cullen traverse to the gallery when Madame de Lamotte was shown into the queen. Madame, said she, the cardinal is here. She then introduced him and took her leave. The cardinal finding himself alone with the queen bowed respectfully, without raising his eyes. Monsieur, said the queen, I have heard of you what has he faced many wrongs. Permit me, madame, said he, trembling with real emotion, to assure your majesty that these wrongs of which you speak, I could explain in a few words. I do not forbid you to justify yourself, replied she with dignity. But if what you are about to say throws the smallest shade upon my family or country, you will only wound me still more. Let us leave this subject, and I will only see you under the fresh light, which shows you to me obliging, respectful, and devoted. Devoted until death, replied he. But, said Marie Antoinette with a smile, at present it is a question not of death but of ruin, and I do not wish you devoted even so far. You shall live and not be ruined, at least, not by me, for they say you are ruining yourself. Madame, oh, that is your business. Only as a friend I would counsel you to be economical. The king would like you better. I would become a miser to please your majesty. Oh, the king, replied she, with an accent on the word, does not love misers, either. I will become whatever your majesty desires, replied he, with a hardly disguised passion. I said then, continued she, that you shall not be ruined for me. You have advanced money on my account, and I have the means of meeting the cause, therefore regard the affair for the future as in my hands. To finish it then it only remains for me to offer the necklace to your majesty, and drawing out the case he presented it to her. She took it, but did not open it, and laid it down by her side. She received kindly all his polite speeches, but as she was longing to be left alone with her diamonds, she began to answer somewhat absently. He thought she was embarrassed and was delighted, thinking it showed, at least, an absence of indifference. He then kissed her hand and took leave, going away full of enthusiasm and hope. Jean was waiting for him in the carriage, and received his ardent protestations with pleasure. Well, said she, shall you be richelieu or mazerin? Have her lips given you encouragement and ambition or love? Are you launched in politics or intrigue? Do not laugh, dear Countess, I am full of happiness. Already! Assist me, and in three weeks I may be a minister. Pest! That is a long time. The next payment is in a fortnight. Ah, the Queen has money and will pay, and I shall have only the merit of the intention. It is too little. I would willingly have paid for this reconciliation, with the whole sum. Make yourself easy, replied the Countess. You shall have this merit, if you desire it. I should have preferred it. The Queen would have then been under an obligation to me. Monsignor, something tells me you will have this satisfaction. Are you prepared for it? I have mortgaged all my revenue for the ensuing year. Then you have the money. Certainly, for this payment, after that, I do not know what I shall do. Oh, this payment will give you three quiet months. Who knows what may happen in three months? That is true. But she said that the King wished me to incur no more debt. Two months in the ministry would set all straight. Countess. Oh, do not be fastidious, if you do not assist yourself others will. You are right. Where are you going now? Back to the Queen to hear what she says of your interview. Good. I go to Paris. Why? You should go this evening to the Je-du-Rat. It is good policy to keep your ground. No, Countess. I must attend a rendezvous for which I received a note this morning. A rendezvous? Yes, and a serious one, by the contents of the note. Look. A man's writing, said the Countess. And opening the note she read. Monsignor. Someone wishes to see you about raising an important sum of money. This person will wait on you this evening at Paris to solicit the honour of an interview. Anonymous. Some beggar? No, Countess. No beggar would expose himself to the risk of being beaten by my servants. Besides, I fancy I have seen the writing before. So au revoir, Countess. A propos, Monsignor. If you are going to get a windfall, some large some, I understand we are to share. Countess, you have brought me luck. I shall not be ungrateful, and they separate it. The cardinal was full of happy dreams. The queen had received him kindly. He would place himself at the head of her party, and make it a popular one. He would protect her, and for her sake would abandon his slothful life, and live an active one. As soon as he arrived at his hotel he commenced burning a box full of love letters. Then he called his steward to order some economical reforms, and sat down to his history of English politics. Soon he heard a ring and a servant entered, to announce the person who had written to him that morning. Ask his name, said the cardinal. The man, having inquired, returned and said, Monsieur le Comte à Cagliostro, let him come in. The Count entered. Mon Dieu! cried the cardinal. Is it possible? Joseph Balsamo, who was supposed to have perished in the flames. Yes, Monsignor, more alive than ever. But, sir, you have taken a new name. Yes, Monsignor, the other recalled too many painful recollections. Possibly you yourself would not have opened your door to Joseph Balsamo. I? Oh, yes, sir. Then Monsignor has a better memory, and more honesty than most men. Monsieur, you once rendered me a service. Am I not Monsignor a good specimen of the results of my elixir? I confess it, sir, but you seem above humanity, you who distribute health and gold to all. Health perhaps, Monsignor, but not gold. You have no more gold. No, Monsignor. Why? Because I lost the parcel of an indispensable ingredient, which Althotus discovered, but of which I never had the receipt. He has carried that secret with him to the grave. He is dead, then. How could you not preserve the life of this man so useful to you, as you have kept yourself, through so many centuries? Because I can guard against illness, but not against such accidents as kill before I can act. He died from an accident, then. The fire in which you thought I died, killed him, or rather, he weary of life, chose to die. It is strange. No, it is natural. I have a hundred times thought of ending my life. But you have not done so. Because I enjoy a state of youth in which health and pleasure kept me from ennui, but he had chosen one of old age. He was a savant, and cared only for science, and thus youth, with its thousand pleasures, would have constantly drawn him from its study. An old man meditates better than a young one. Althotus died a victim to his love of science. I lead a worldly life and do nothing. I live like a planet. Oh, sir, your words and appearance bring to me dreams of my youth. It is ten years since I saw you. Yes, but if you are no longer a fine young man, you are a prince. Do you remember the day when in my cabinet I promised you the love of the woman whose fair locks I consulted? The cardinal turned from pale to red. Terror and joy almost stopped the beating of his heart. I remember, said he. Oh, let me try if I can still play the magician. This fair child of your dreams. What is she doing now? Ah, I suspect you yourself have seen her today. Indeed, you have not long left her. The cardinal could hardly stand. Oh, I beg, sir, he cried. Let us speak of something else, said Cagliostro, sitting down. End of Chapter 56 Chapter 57 Of the Queen's Necklace By Alexandre Dumas The translator is unknown. This Librox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughan. Chapter 57 Detour and Creditor Now that we have renewed our acquaintance, let us converse, said Cagliostro. Yes, replied the cardinal. About the money he wrote of. It was a pretext, was it not? No, monsieur, a serious matter, as it concerns a sum of five hundred thousand francs. The sum which you lent me, cried the cardinal, growing pale. Yes, Monsignor, I love to see so good a memory in a great prince like you. The cardinal felt overwhelmed by the below. At last, trying to smile, he said, I thought that Joseph Balsamo had carried his debt with him to the tomb, as he threw the receipt into the fire. Monsignor replied the count. The life of Joseph Balsamo is as indestructible as the sheet on which you wrote. Death cannot conquer the elixir of life. Fire is powerless against asbestos. I do not understand, said the cardinal. You will soon, replied Cagliostro, producing a folded paper which he offered to the prince. He, before opening it, cried, My receipt! Yes, Monsignor, your receipt! But I saw you burn it. True, I threw it on the fire, but by accident you had written on a piece of asbestos, so that the receipt remained uninjured among the cinders. Monsieur, said the cardinal hotly, for he thought this a proof that he had been suspected. Believe me, I should not have denied my debt, even without this paper. Therefore you were wrong to deceive me. I deceived you? Yes, you made me think the paper was destroyed, to leave you the calm enjoyment of five hundred thousand francs. But, sir, why have you left such a sum for ten years unclaimed? I knew, Monsignor, that it was safe. Various events have deprived me of my wealth, but knowing that I had this sum in reserve, I have waited patiently until the last moment. And has that arrived? Alas, yes, Monsignor, so that you can really wait no longer. No, Monsignor. You wanted it once? If it pleased you to pay it. The cardinal was at first silent, through despair. Then he said in a hoarse voice, Monsieur le Con, we unhappy princes of the earth, do not improvise fortunes, as quickly as you enchanters. Oh, Monsignor, said Cagliostro, I would not have asked you for this sum, had I not known beforehand, that you had it. I have five hundred thousand francs, thirty thousand in gold, eleven thousand in silver, and the rest in notes, which are in this buell cabinet. The cardinal turned white. You knew this? Yes, Monsignor, and I know you have made great sacrifices to obtain it. I have heard that you will pay heavily for it. Oh, it is too true. But, Monsignor, during these ten years I have often been in want and embarrassment, yet I have kept this paper back, so as not to trouble you. Therefore I do not think you can complain. Complain? Oh, no, sir. When you graciously let me such as some, I must ever remain your debtor. But during those ten years there were twenty occasions when I could have repaid you with ease, while today the restitution you demand embarrasses me dreadfully. You who know everything, who read even hearts and penetrate the doors of cabinets, doubtless, know also the purpose for which this money was destined. You are wrong, Monsignor, said Cagliostro coldly. My knowledge has brought me so much misery and disappointment, that I no longer seek to penetrate the secrets of others. It concerned me to know whether you had this money, as I wished to climb it. But once having ascertained that, I did not trouble myself to think for what purpose it was destined. Besides, did I know it, it might seem so grave a matter as almost to force me to waive my claim, which really at present I cannot afford to do. Therefore I prefer to be ignorant. Oh, monsieur, cried the cardinal. Do not think I wish to parade my embarrassments in order to allude my debt. You have your own interests to look to. They are guaranteed by this paper, which bears my signature. That is enough. You shall have your money, although I do not think there is any promise to pay it. Your eminence is mistaken, and opening the paper he read these words. I acknowledge the receipt of five hundred thousand francs for monsieur Joseph Bossamon, which I will repay on demand. De Roi. You see, monsieur, that I only ask my right. Besides, as this was a spontaneous loan by me, to a man I hardly knew the payment might have been equally spontaneous, without waiting for me to claim it. But you did not think so. Well, monsieur, I withdraw this paper and bid you adieu. No count, replied the cardinal. A Roi must not receive lessons in generosity. Besides, this is a mere question of honesty. Give me the paper, sir, and I will discharge my debt. For a moment Cagliostro hesitated for the pale face and distressed air of the cardinal inclined him to pity, but quickly hardening himself he handed him the paper. Monsieur De Roi went to the cabinet and took out the money. There, said he, are your five hundred thousand francs, and I owe you two hundred and fifty thousand more for interest, which you shall have, if you will give me time. Monsieur, said Cagliostro. I lent five hundred thousand francs to Monsieur De Roi, which he has paid me. He therefore owes me nothing more. I will take the notes with me and send for the money. I thank you for your compliance with my request. Then, bowing, he left the room. Well, sighed Monsieur De Roi. It is likely at least that the Queen has the money, and no Joseph Balsama will come and take it from her. End of Chapter 57 Chapter 58 Of the Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumas The translator is unknown. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughan. Chapter 58 Family Accounts It was the day before the first payment was due, and Monsieur De Calonne had so much to do that he had forgotten his promise. The Queen had up to this time waited patiently, relying on his word. She now, however, was beginning to grow uneasy when she received the following note. This evening, the business with which your Majesty has charged me, will be settled by the Council. The money will be with the Queen tomorrow evening. Marie-Antoinette recovered all her gaiety directly. After dinner, the King went to the Council, but in a rather bad humour. The news from Russia was bad. A vessel had been lost. Some of the provinces refused to pay the taxes. Also, a beautiful map of the world made by himself had that day split into two pieces. Mainly therefore, Monsieur De Calonne produced his accounts with his usual smiling air. The King continued out of temper. For a long time he said as usual, drawing hieroglyphics on a piece of paper, whilst the foreign correspondence was being read, and paying little attention to what passed around him. At last, however, Monsieur De Calonne began to speak of the loan to be raised for the ensuing year. The King became attentive and said, always borrowing, but how is it to be repaid? That is a problem, Monsieur De Calonne, for you to solve. Sire alone is only turning a stream from one direction to cause it to flow more abundantly in another. In deepening the channel you only increase the supply, therefore let us not think of paying, but only of obtaining present supplies. Monsieur De Calonne then explained his plans, which were approved by his colleagues. The King agreed with a sigh. Now we have money, said Monsieur De Calonne, let us dispose of it. And he handed a paper to the King with a list of pensions, gifts, and payments to be made. The King glanced at the total. One million nine hundred thousand francs for this enormous, but Sire one item is five hundred thousand francs. Which? The advance to the Queen. To the Queen. Five hundred thousand francs to the Queen. Pardon, Sire, it is correct. But there must be a mistake. A fortnight ago her Majesty received her money. Sire, but if Her Majesty has need of money, and we all know how well she employs it. No, cried the King, the Queen does not want this money. She said to me that she preferred a vessel to jewels. The Queen thinks of France, and when France is poor, we that are rich ought to lend to France. And if she does require this money, it will be a greater merit to wait for it, and I guarantee that she will wait. The Ministers applauded this patriotic speech of the King. Only Monsieur de Canon insisted. Really, Monsieur, said the King, you are more interested for us than we are for ourselves. The Queen, Sire, will accuse us of having been backward, when her interests were concerned. I will plead your cause. But Sire, the Queen never asks without necessity. If the Queen has wants, they are, I trust, less imperious than those of the poor, and she will be the first to acknowledge it. Sire. I am resolved, said the King, and I fancy. I hear the Queen in her generosity, thanking me for having so well understood her heart. Monsieur de Canon bit his lips, and Louis, content with his personal sacrifice, signed all the rest without looking at them. Canon, you shall tell the Queen yourself. Oh, Sire, I beg to resign to you, the Honour. So be it then. Ah, here she comes. Let us meet her. I beg your Majesty to excuse me, he replied, and retired quickly. The King approached the Queen. She was leaning on the arm of the Condarchois, and seemed very gay. Madame, said the King, have you had a pleasant walk? Yes, Sire, and you an agreeable counsel. Yes, Madame, I have gained you five hundred thousand francs. Monsieur de Canon has kept his word, thought the Queen. Only imagine Madame, continued the King. Monsieur de Canon had put down five hundred thousand francs for you, and I have struck it out, a clear gain, therefore, of that sum. Struck it through, cried the Queen, turning pale. But Sire, oh, I am so hungry, I am going to supper. And he went away, delighted with his work. Brother, said the Queen, seek Monsieur de Canon for me. At that moment a note from him was handed to her. Your Majesty will have learned that the King refused your grant. It was incomprehensible, and I retired from the Council, penetrated with grief. Reed, said she, passing the note to the Count. And there are people, said he, who say that we squander the revenue. This is an extraordinary proceeding. Quite husbandlike, said the Queen, I do, Brother. I can dole with you, he replied. And it is a lesson for me. I was going to make a request tomorrow for myself. Send for Madame de la Motte, said the Queen, when she returned to her room. End of Chapter Fifty-Eight Chapter Fifty-Nine of the Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumas The translator is unknown. This Slipper-Rox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughan Chapter Fifty-Nine Marie-Antoinette is Queen and Madame de la Motte as Woman The courier dispatched for Madame de la Motte, not finding her at home, went to the Hotel of the Cardinal de Rouen, to inquire if she were there. The well-tutored Swiss replied that she was not, but that he could get any message transmitted to her. The courier therefore left word for her to come to the Queen as soon as possible. The man had hardly left the door before the message was delivered to Jean, as she sat at supper with the Cardinal. She set off immediately, and was at once introduced into the Queen's chamber. Oh! cried the Queen on seeing her. I have something to tell you. The King has refused me five hundred thousand francs. Mon Dieu! murmured the Countess. Incredible, is it not? He struck through the item, but it is useless to talk of it. You must return to Paris and tell the Cardinal that since he is so kind, I accept the five hundred thousand francs he offered me. It is selfish I know, but what can I do? Oh Madame! cried Jean. We are lost. The Cardinal no longer has the money. The Queen started. No money? stammered she. No Madame! An unexpected creditor claimed this money from him. It was a debt of honour and he paid it. The whole five hundred thousand francs? Yes Madame! And he has no more? No Madame! He told me this an hour and a half ago, and confessed to me, that he had no other resources. The Queen leaned her head on her hands then, after a few moments' reflection she said, This Countess is a terrible lesson for me, and a punishment for having done anything great or small, without the King's knowledge. It was a folly I had no need of the necklace. True Madame, but if the Queen consulted only her absolute wants, I must consult before everything the tranquility and happiness of my household. I renounce forever what has begun, with so much annoyance. I will sacrifice my vanity on the altar of duty, as Monsieur de Provence would say. And beautiful as this necklace is, you shall carry it back to Monsieur Beaumé and Beausange. Carry it back? Yes. But Madame, your Majesty has already given one hundred thousand francs for it. Well, I shall gain all the rest that was to have been paid for it. But Madame, they will not like to return your money. I give it up, on condition of their breaking the contract. Now Countess, that I have come to this determination. I feel at ease once more. This necklace brought with it cares, and fears. Diamonds cannot compensate for these. Take it away, Countess. The jewelers must be satisfied. They will have their necklace, and one hundred thousand francs, into the bargain. But Monsieur de Rouen, he only acted to give me pleasure. And when he is told it is my pleasure, not to have the necklace, he will understand me, I am sure. And if he is a good friend, he will approve and strengthen me in my sacrifice. Saying these words, the Queen held out the casket to Jean. She did not take it. Why not ask for time, Madame? No, Countess. It is humiliation. One may humiliate oneself, for a person one loves. To save a living creature were it only a dog, but only to keep some sparkling stones. Never, Countess. Take it away. But Madame, it will surely become known that your Majesty has had the jewels, and was obliged to return them. No one will know anything about it. The jewelers will surely hold their tongues. For one hundred thousand francs. Take it away, Countess. And thank Monsieur de Rouen for his good will towards me. There is no time to lose. Go as soon as possible. And bring me back a receipt for them. Madame, it shall be done as you wish. She first drove home and changed her dress, which was too elegant, for a visit to the jewelers. Meanwhile she reflected much. She thought still it was a fault for Monsieur de Rouen, to allow the Queen to part with his jewels. And should she obey her orders without consulting him, would he not have reason to complain? Would he not rather sell himself, than let the Queen return them? I must consult him, she thought. But after all, he never can get the money. She then took the necklace from the case, once more to look at it, and admire it. One million six hundred thousand francs, in my possession. True, it is for but an hour. To carry away such a summon gold, I should want two horses. Yet how easily I hold it here. But I must decide. Shall I go to the cardinal, or take it direct to the jewelers, as the Queen ordered? And the receipt? In what form shall I get it, so as not to compromise the Queen, the cardinal, or myself? Shall I consult? Ah, if he loved me more, and could give me the diamonds. She sat down again, and remained nearly an hour in deep thought. Then she rose, with a strange look in her eyes, and rang the bell with a determined air. She ordered a coach, and in a few minutes she reached the house of the journalist, Monsieur Retaud de Viette. End of Chapter 59 Chapter 60 of The Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumas The translator is unknown. The Slipper-Rox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughn Chapter 60 The receipt of Monsieur Beaumé and Beausange and the gratitude of the Queen. The result of Madame de la Motte's visit to Monsieur Retaud de Viette appeared the next day. At seven o'clock in the morning she sent the Queen the following paper. We, the undersigned, acknowledge having received back again the diamond necklace sold to the Queen for one million six hundred thousand francs. The diamond's not suiting Her Majesty, who has paid us for our loss and trouble one hundred thousand francs. Beaumé and Beausange The Queen now tranquil about the whole affair, locked up the receipt, and thought no more of it. But in strange contradiction to this receipt the jewellers received a visit two days after for Monsieur du Roan who felt uneasy about the payment. If the instalment had not been paid he expected to find them naturally annoyed, but to his great satisfaction they received him with smiles. The Queen is paid then, he asked. No Monsignure the Queen could not produce the money as the King had refused it to her, but she has guaranteed the debt and that fully satisfies us. Ah, so much the better, but how? Through the countess. No Monsignure on hearing of the King's refusal which soon became public we wrote to Madame de la Motte when? Yesterday. And she replied by one word wait that evening we received from the Queen by a courier a letter a letter to you or rather a guarantee in due form let me see it Oh, we would with pleasure but Her Majesty enjoins that it is not to be shown to anyone then you are safe perfectly Monsignure the Queen acknowledges the debt fully and engages to pay five hundred thousand francs in three months the rest in six and she adds let the affair rest between ourselves you will have no cause to repent it I am charmed that it is settled said the Cardinal we must now raise the veil though doubtless our readers comprehend how Jean de la Motte had acted towards her benefactress and how she had managed to satisfy both the Queen and the Jewelers by borrowing the pen of Monsieur Retaud three months were thus obtained for the completion of her design of crime and deception and within three months everything would be arranged she went to Monsieur de Laurent and repeated to him what the Jewelers had already told him he asked if the Queen remembered his good intentions she drew a picture of her gratitude which enchanted him her intention had been to sell some of the diamonds to the value of one hundred thousand crowns and then pass over to England where when necessary she could dispose of the remainder but her first essay frightened her some offered despicably small sums for the stones others went into raptures declaring they had never seen such diamonds but in the necklace of Monsieur Beaumé and Poisson she abandoned this course therefore which she saw might soon bring about her ruin she shut up the diamonds carefully and resolved to wait but her position was critical a few words of explanation between the Queen and the Cardinal and all would be discovered she consoled herself by thinking that the Cardinal was too much in love not to fall into all the snares she might lay for him one thought alone occupied her how to prevent their meeting that he would not be long satisfied without an interview she knew what should she do persuading to ask for one and offend the Queen by his presumption but then the Queen would speak her anger out and all would come to light she must compromise her and endeavour so to cause her lips but if they met by chance what remained for her but flight that was easy a few hours would suffice then again she thought of the name she would leave behind her and bear with her no longer a woman of rank but a thief whom justice only does not reach because she is too far off no she would not fly if she could help it she would try what audacity and skill could do remain here and act between them to prevent them from meeting that is the difficulty as he is in love and a Prince who has a right to see the Queen and she is now grateful and will no longer fly from him but if I excite him to too open an admiration and disgust her I alienate them more than ever she will take fire easily but what I want is something to make the Queen tremble as well as him something which would give me power to say if you accuse me I will accuse you and ruin you leave me my wealth and I will you your honour this is what I must seek for and what I must find end of chapter 60 chapter 61 of the Queen's necklace by Alexandre Dumas the translator is unknown the slipper vox recording is in the public domain recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughn chapter 61 the prisoner meanwhile a different scene was passing in the Rue Saint Claude where Monsieur de Cagliostro had lodged Oliva in the old house to keep her from the pursuit of the police there she lived retired and almost happy Cagliostro lavished care and attentions on her and she liked being protected by this great Lord who has nothing from her in return only what did he want? she often asked herself uselessly for he must have some object her amour propre made her decide that after all he was in love with her and she began to build castles in the air in which we must confess pour bossir now very rarely had a place therefore the two visits a week paid to her by Cagliostro were always eagerly looked forward to and between them she amused herself with her dreams and playing the great lady however her books were soon read through at least such suited her taste and pictures and music soon wearied her she soon began to regret her morning's past of the windows of the rue Dauphine where she used to sit to attract the attention of the passers-by and her delightful promenades in the Cartier Saint-Germain where so many people used to turn to look after her true the police agents were formidable people but what availed safety if she was not amused? so she first regretted her liberty and then regretted bossir then she began to lose her appetite for a lot of fresh air for she had been used to walk every day one day when she was bemoaning her fate she received an unexpected visit from Cagliostro he gave his accustomed signal and she opened the door which was always kept bolted with an eagerness which showed her delight and ceasing his hands she cried in an impatient voice Mr. I am envie here this is unlucky my dear child I shall die here really? yes well said he soothingly do not blame me blame the lieutenant of police who persecutes you you exasperate me with your saufois monsieur I would rather you flew in a passion confess mademoiselle that you are unreasonable said he seating himself it is all very well for you to talk replied she you come and go as you like you breathe the fresh air your life is full of pleasure I vegetate in the space to which you have limited me and your assistance is useless to me if I am to die here die said the camp smiling you behave very badly to me you forget that I love passionately Mr. Beausierre yes Beausierre I love him I always told you so did you think I had forgotten him so little did I think so mademoiselle that I bring you news of him ah he is a charming person young and handsome is he not full of imagination and fire rather rough towards me but that is his way of showing his love therefore I wished to take you back to him you did not wish that a month ago no but when I see how you love him ah you are laughing at me oh no you have resisted all my advances so well yes have I not it was your love for him and yours then was not very tenacious no I am neither old enough nor ugly enough neither poor enough nor foolish enough to run the risk of a refusal and I saw that you would always have preferred Beausierre oh but cried the coquette using her eyes which had remained idle so long this famous compact which you propose to me the right of always giving me your arm of visiting me when you liked did that give you no hope Cagliostro did not reply but turned his eyes as if dazzled by her glances let us return to Beausierre she said peaked at his indifference why have you not brought him here it would have been a charity he is free because replied Cagliostro Beausierre has too much imagination and has also embroiled himself with the police what has he done oh a delightful trick a most ingenious idea I call it a joke but matter of fact people and you know how matter of fact Mr. Duclosna can be call it a theft a theft cried Oliver frightened is he arrested no but he is pursued and is he in danger that I cannot tell you he is well hunted for and if you were together the chances of us being taken would be doubled oh yes he must hide poor fellow I will hide too let me leave France monsieur pray render me this service for if I remain shut up here I shall end by committing some imprudence what do you call imprudence oh just getting some fresh air I do not want to prevent your getting fresh air you would lose your beauty and miss you both sir would love you no longer open the windows as much as you like oh I see I've offended you you care no more about me offended me how because you had taken a fancy to me and I repulsed you a man of your consequence a handsome man like you has a right to be angry at being rejected by a poor girl like me but do not abandon me sir I entreat and she put her arms round his neck poor little thing said he kissing her forehead do not be afraid I'm not angry or offended indeed were you to offer me your love I should refuse you so much do I desire to inspire pure sentiments besides I should think you influenced more by gratitude than love so we will remain as we are and I will continue to protect you all of a lettuce hand fall humiliated and duped by the pretended generosity of Kekliostro oh I shall say henceforth she cried that there are men superior to what I ever thought all women are good thought Kekliostro if you only touch the right cord allowed he said from this evening you shall move to other rooms where the windows look on the Menilmonton and the Bellevue you need not fear to show yourself to the neighbours they are all honest simple people who will never suspect you only keep a little back from the window lest anyone passing through the street should see you at least you will have air and sunshine Oliver looked pleased shall I contact you there now oh yes he took a light and she followed him up a staircase to the third story and entered a room completely furnished and ready for occupation one would think it was prepared for me she said not for you but for myself I like this place and often come here to sleep nothing shall be wanting to make you comfortable and your fond chambre shall attend you in a quarter of an hour and he left the room the poor prisoner sat down by her elegant bed murmuring I understand nothing of this and of Chapter 61 Chapter 62 of the Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumas the translator is unknown this LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughn Chapter 62 The Look Out Oliver went to bed and slept better she admired the Count whom she did not in the least understand she could no longer think him timid she did not suspect that he was only cold and insensible she felt pleased at the perfect safety in which he is shorter she was and in the morning she examined her new rooms and found them nobly and luxuriously furnished and enjoyed immensely her privilege of going out into the balcony filled with flowers and where she got sunshine and fresh air although she drew back whenever she saw anyone approaching or heard a carriage coming there were not many however in the loose St. Claude she could see the chateau of Minion Montaint the great trees in the cemetery myriads of houses of all colors and she could see the fields beyond full of children at play and the peasants trotting along the roads on their donkeys all this charmed Oliver who had always a heart of love for the country since she had left Tavernin Maison Rouge at last getting tired of this distant view she began to examine the houses opposite to her in some she saw birds in cages and in one hung with yellow silk curtains and ornamented with flowers she thought she could distinguish a figure moving about she called her farm de Chamble to make inquiries about them but the woman could only show her mistress all the churches and tell her the names of the streets she knew nothing of the neighbors Oliver therefore sent her away again and determined to watch for herself she saw some open their doors and come out for a walk and others variously occupied at last she saw the figure of a woman see herself in an armchair in the room with the yellow curtains and abandoned her head for an hour and a half to a hairdresser while he built up one of those immense edifices worn at that time in which minerals vegetables and even animals were introduced at last it was complete Oliver thought she looked pretty and admired her little foot encased in a rose colored slipper which rested on another chair she began to construct all sorts of romances about this lady and made various movements to attract her attention but she never turned her eyes that way as that room had never before been occupied and she began to despair the lady was of course Jean de Valois who was deeply absorbed in devising some scheme for preventing the queen and the cardinal from meeting at last Oliver turning suddenly round knocked over a flower pot which fell from the balcony with a crash at the sound the lady turned and saw her and clasping her hands she called out the queen but looking again she murmured oh I sought for a means to gain my end and I have found one then hearing a sound behind her Oliver turned and saw Cagliostro and came in directly and of chapter 62 chapter 63 of the Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumas the translator is unknown this lipervox recording is in the public domain recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughn chapter 63 the two neighbors Cagliostro recommended her using the greatest circumspection and above all not to make friends with her neighbors but she did not feel disposed to relinquish the intercourse which she hoped for with her fair neighbor opposite she however promised to obey him but he was no sooner gone than she returned to her balcony hoping to attract her attention again nor was she disappointed for Jean who was watching for her acknowledged her with a bow and by kissing her hand this went on for two days Jean was ever ready to wave her a good morning or an adieu when she went out Cagliostro at his next visit informed Oliver that an unknown person had paid a visit to her hotel what do you mean? cried Oliver a very pretty and elegant lady presented herself here and asked the servant who inhabited this story and wished to see you I fear you are discovered you must take care the police have female spies as well as male and I warn you that if Mr. Ducosna claims you I cannot refuse to give you up Oliver was not at all frightened she recognized the portrait of her opposite neighbor and felt delighted at this advance but she dissembled with the count and said oh I am not at all frightened no one has seen me she could not have met me but she said a lady in these rooms well I will be more careful than ever and besides this house is so impenetrable yes without climbing the wall which is not easy or opening the little door with a key like mine which I never lend no one can come in so I think you are safe Oliver overwhelmed the count with thanks and protestations but at six o'clock the next morning she was out in the balcony she had not long to wait before Jean appeared who after looking cautiously up and down the street and observing that all the doors and windows were still closed and that everything was quiet called a cross I wish to pay you a visit madame is it impossible to see you alas yes said Oliver can I send a letter oh no Jean after a moment's thought left her balcony but soon returned with a crossbow with which she shot a little wooden ball right through the open window of Oliver's room Oliver picked it up and found wrapped around it the following note you interest me beautiful lady I find you charming and love you having only seen you are you a prisoner I've only tried to obtain admission to you does the enchanter who guards you never let anyone approach you will you be my friend if you cannot go out you can at least write and as I go out when I please wait till you see me pass and then throw out your answer tie a thread to your balcony and attach your note to it I will take it off and fasten mine on and in the dark no one will observe us if your eyes have not deceived me I count on a return of my affection and esteem and between us we will outwit anyone friend Oliver trembled with joy when she read this note she replied as follows I love you as you love me I am a victim of the wickedness and cruelty of men but he who keeps me here is a protector and not a tyrant he comes to see me nearly every day I will explain all this someday but alas I cannot go out I am locked up oh if I could but see you there is so much that we cannot write friend le gay then when evening came she let the thread fall over the balcony Jean who was below caught it and half an hour afterwards attached to it the following answer you seem generally alone how is your house secured with a key who has this key could you not borrow or steal it it would be no harm but would procure us a few hours of liberty or if you walked with a friend who would console you for all your misfortune all of a devoured this eagerly she had remarked that when the count came in he put down his lantern and the key on a chiffonier so she prepared some wax to take the impression of the key at his first visit this she accomplished without his once turning to look at her and as soon as he was gone she put it into a little box and lowered it to Jean with a note the next day she received the following answer my dearest tonight at eleven o'clock you will descend and unlock the door when you will find yourself in the arms of your faithful friend all of a felt more charmed than with the most tender love letter that she had ever received at the appointed time she went down and met Jean who embraced her tenderly and made her get into a carriage that waited a little way off they remained out two hours and parted with kisses and protestations of affection Jean learned the name of Oliva's protector she feared this man and determined to preserve the most perfect mystery as to her plans Oliva had confided everything to her about Osir, the police, and all Jean gave herself out for a young lady of rank living here secretly without the knowledge of her friends one knew all the other nothing from this day then it was no longer necessary to throw out notes Jean had her key and carried off Oliva whenever she pleased Monsieur de Cagliostro suspects nothing she often asked Oliva oh no she would reply I do not think you would believe it if I told him a week passed thus end of chapter 63 chapter 64 of the Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dubin the translator is unknown the Slipper Rocks recording is in the public domain recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughan chapter 64 the rendezvous when Charney arrived at his estates the doctor ordered him to keep within doors and not receive visitors orders which he rigorously obeyed to the great disappointment of all the young ladies in the neighborhood who were most anxious to see this young man reputed to be at once so brave and so handsome his melody however was more mental than bodily he was devoured by regrets by longings and by ennui so after a week he set off one night on horseback and before the morning was at Versailles he found a little house there outside the park which had been empty for some time it had been inhabited by one of the king's huntsmen who had cut his throat and since then the place had been deserted there Charney lived in profound solitude but he could see the queen from afar when she walked in the park with her ladies and when she again went in he could see her windows from his own and watch her lights every evening until they disappeared and he even fancied he could see her shadow pass before the window one evening he had watched all this as usual and after sitting two hours longer at his window was preparing to go to bed for midnight was striking from a neighbouring clock when the sound of a key turning in a lock arrested his attention it was that of a little door leading into the park only twenty paces from his cottage and which was never used except sometimes on hunting days whoever it was that entered did not speak but closed it again quietly and entered an avenue under his windows at first Charney could not distinguish them through the thick wood though he could hear the rustling of dresses but as they emerged into an open space and bright moonlight he almost uttered a cry of joy in recognising the tournure of Marie-Antoinette and a glimpse of her face she held in her hand a beautiful rose stifling his emotion he stepped down as quickly as possible into the park and hid behind a clump of trees where he could see her better oh thought he were she but alone I would brave tortures her death itself that I might once fall on my knees before her and tell her I love you oh were she but menaced by some danger how gladly he would have risked his life to save hers suddenly the two ladies stopped and the shortest after saying a few words to her companion in a low voice left her the queen therefore remained alone and Charney felt inclined to run towards her but he reflected that the moment she saw him she would take fright and call out and that her cries would first bring back her companion and then the guards that his retreat would be discovered and he should be forced to leave it in a few minutes the other lady reappeared but not alone behind her came a man muffled up in a large cloak and whose face was concealed by a slouch hat this man advanced with an uncertain and hesitating step to where the queen stood when he took off his hat and made a low bow the surprise which Charney felt at first soon changed into a more painful feeling why was the queen in the park at this time of night who was this man who was waiting for her and whom she had sent her companion to fetch then he remembered that the queen often occupied herself with foreign politics much to the annoyance of the king was this a secret messenger from Shondrin or from Berlin this idea restored him to some degree of composure the queen's companions stood a few steps off anxiously watching unless they should be seen but it was as necessary to guard against spies in a secret political rendezvous as in one of love after a short time Charney saw the gentleman bow to the ground and turned to leave when the companion of the queen said to him stop he stopped and the two ladies passed close to Charney who could even recognize the queen's favorite scent verveille mixed with mignonnette they passed on and disappeared a few moments after the gentleman passed he held in his hand a rose which he pressed passionately to his lips did this look political? Charney's head turned he felt a strong impulse to rush on this man and tear the flower from him when the queen's companion reappeared and said come on seneur he joined her quickly and they went away Charney remained in a distracted state leaning against the tree end of chapter 64 Chapter 65 of The Queen's Necklace by Alexandre Dumas the translator is unknown this LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughn Chapter 65 The Queen's Hand When Charney re-entered the house he felt overwhelmed by what he had seen that he should have discovered this retreat which he had thought so precious only to be the witness of a crime committed by the queen against her conjugal duty and royal dignity this man must be a lover in vain did he try to persuade himself that the rose was the pledge of some political compact given instead of a letter which might have been too compromising the passionate kiss which he had seen imprinted on it forbade this supposition these thoughts haunted him all night and all the next day through which he waited with a feverish impatience fearing the new revelations which the night might bring forth he saw her taking her ordinary walk with her ladies then watched the lights extinguished one by one and he waited nervously for the stroke of midnight the hour of the rendezvous of the preceding night it struck and no one had appeared he then wondered how he could have expected it she surely would not repeat the same imprudence two nights following but as these thoughts passed through his mind he heard the key turn again and saw the door open Charney grew deadly pale when he recognized the same two figures enter the park oh it is too much he said to himself and then repeated his movements of the night before swearing that whatever happened he would restrain himself and remember that she was his queen all passed exactly as the night before the confidant left and returned with the same man only this time instead of advancing with his former timid respect he almost ran up to the queen and kneeled down before her Charney could not hear what he said but he seemed to speak with passionate energy she did not reply but stood in a pensive attitude then he spoke again and at last she said a few words in a low voice when the unknown cried out in a loud voice so that Charney could hear oh thanks your majesty till tomorrow then the queen drew her hood still more over her face and held out both her hands to the unknown who imprinted on them a kiss so long and tender that Charney nashed his teeth with rage the queen then took the arm of her companion and walked quickly away the unknown passed also Charney remained in a state of fury not to be described he ran about the park like a madman at last he began to wonder where this man came from he traced his steps to the door behind the baths of Apollo he comes not from Versailles but from Paris thought Charney and tomorrow he will return for he said tomorrow till then let me devour my tears in silence but tomorrow shall be the last day of my life for we will be four at the rendezvous end of chapter 65 chapter 66 of the queen's necklace by Alexandre Dumas the translator is unknown this LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by Gail Timmerman Vaughan chapter 66 woman and queen the next night the door opened at the same time and the two ladies appeared Charney had taken his resolution he would find out who this lover was but when he entered the avenue he could see no one they had entered the baths of Apollo he walked towards the door and saw the confidant who waited outside the queen then was in there alone with her lover it was too much Charney was about to seize this woman and force her to tell him everything but the rage and emotion he had endured were too much for him a mist passed over his eyes internal bleeding commenced and he fainted when he came to himself again the clock was striking too the place was deserted and there was no trace of what had passed there he went home and passed a night almost of delirium the next morning he arose pale as death and went towards the castle of Trinon just as the queen was leaving the chapel all heads were respectfully lowered as she passed she was looking beautiful and when she saw Charney she coloured and uttered an exclamation of surprise I thought you were in the country, Mr. Charney she said I've returned, madame said he in a brusque and almost rude tone she looked at him in surprise then turning to the ladies good morning, Countess she said to madame Delamotte who stood near Charney started as he caught sight of her and looked at her almost wildly he has not quite recovered his reason thought the queen observing his strange manner then turning to him again how are you now, Mr. Charney she said in a kind voice very well, madame she looked surprised again and then said where are you living at Versailles, madame since when four or three nights replied he in a marked manner the queen manifested no emotion but Jean trembled have you not something to say to me ask the queen again with kindness oh, madame I should have too much to say to your majesty come, said she and she walked towards her apartments but to avoid the appearance of a tête-à-tête she invited several ladies to follow her Jean, unquiet, placed herself among them but when they arrived she dismissed madame de Miserie and the other ladies understanding that she wished to be alone left her Charney stood before her speak, said the queen you appeared troubled, sir how can I begin, said Charney thinking aloud how can I dare to accuse owner and majesty sir, cried Marie Antoinette with a flaming look and yet I should only say what I have seen the queen rose sir, said she it is very early in the morning for me to think you intoxicated but I can find no other solution for this conduct Charney, unmoved, continued after all what is a queen a woman and am I not a man as well as a subject monsieur madame anger is out of place now I believe I have formerly proved that I had respect for your royal dignity I fear I proved that I had an insane love for yourself choose therefore to whom I shall speak is it to the queen or the woman that I shall address my accusation of dishonor and shame monsieur de Charney cried the queen growing pale if you do not leave this room I must have you turned out by my guards but I will tell you first, cried he passionately why I call you an unworthy queen and woman I have been in the park these three nights instead of seeing her tremble as he believed she would on hearing these words the queen rose and approaching him said monsieur de Charney your state excites my pity your hands tremble you grow pale you are suffering shall I call for help I saw you cried he saw you with that man to whom you gave the rose saw you when he kissed your hands saw you when you entered the baths of Apollo with him the queen passed her hands over her eyes as if to make sure that she was not dreaming sit down said she or you will fall Charney indeed unable to keep up fell upon the sofa she sat down by him be calm said she and repeat what you just said do you want to kill me he murmured let me question then she said how long have you returned from the country a fortnight where do you live in the huntsman's house which I have hired at the end of the park yes you speak of someone whom you saw with me yes where in the park when at midnight Tuesday for the first time I saw you and your companion oh I had a companion do you know her also I thought just now I recognized her but I could not be positive because it was only the figure she always hit her face like all hook-mit crimes and this person to whom you say I gave a rose I have never been able to meet him you do not know him then only that he is called Monsignor the queen stamped her foot go on she said Tuesday I gave him a rose Wednesday you gave him your hands to kiss and yesterday you went along with him into the baths of Apollo while your companion waited outside and you saw me said she rising he lifted his hands to heaven and cried I swear it oh he swears yes on Tuesday you wore your green dress moiré with gold Wednesday the dress with the great blue and brown leaves and yesterday the same dress that you wore when I last kissed your hand oh madame I am ready to die with grief and shame while I repeat that on my life my honor it was really you what can I say cried the queen dreadfully agitated if I swore he would not believe me Sharni shook his head madman cried she thus to accuse your queen to dishonor thus an innocent woman do you believe me when I swear by all I hold sacred that I was not in the park on either of those days after four o'clock do you wish it to be proved by my women by the king no he does not believe me I saw you replied he oh I know cried she did they not see me at the ball of the opera at Messmers scandalizing the crowd you know it you who fought for me madame then I fought because I did not believe it now I might fight but I believe the queen raised her arms to heaven while burning tears rolled down her cheeks my god she cried send me some thought which will save me I do not wish this man to despise me Sharni moved to the heart hit his face in his hands then after a moment's silence the queen continued sir you owe me reparation I exact this from you you say you saw me three nights with a man I have been already injured through the resemblance of me to some woman I know not whom but it was like her unhappy queen but you are pleased to think it was me well I will go with you into the park and if she appears again will you be satisfied perhaps we shall see her together then sir you will regret the suffering you have caused me Sharni pressed his hands to his heart oh madame you overwhelm me with your kindness I wish to overwhelm you with proofs not a word to anyone but this evening at ten o'clock wait alone at the door of the park now go sir Sharni kneeled and went away without a word Jean who was awaiting in the antechamber examined him attentively as he came out she was soon after summoned to the queen end of chapter 66