"Tell me quickly," ejaculated the king, "do you bring bad news? Has
any thing unexpected occurred?"
"Sire," answered the minister, respectfully, "something unexpected
at all events, but whether something bad will be learned after
further investigation."
"Investigation!" cried the king. "Then do you speak of a crime?"
"Yes, sire, of a crime-the crime of a base deception, and, as it
seems, of a defalcation involving immense sums and objects of great
value."
"Ah," said the king, with a sigh of relief, "then the trouble is
only one of money."
"No, sire, it is one which concerns the honor of the queen."
Louis arose, while a burning flush of indignation passed over his
face.
"Will they venture again to assail the honor of the queen?" he
asked.
"Yes, sire," answered Breteuil, with his invincible calmness--"yes,
sire, they will venture to do so. And at this time it is so infernal
and deeply-laid a plan that it will be difficult to get at the
truth. Will your majesty allow me to unfold the details of the
matter somewhat fully?"
"Speak, baron, speak," said the king, eagerly, taking his seat upon
a wooden stool, and motioning to the minister to do the same.
"Sire," answered the premier, with a bow, "I will venture to sit,
because I am in fact a little exhausted with my quick run hither.
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