' When now,
full of anxiety, he asked what advice I could give him, I at once
bade him go to Lord Breteuil and tell him all. He promised to do so,
and went. But I hastened to come hither to tell your majesty the
whole story, but when I arrived I found the unhappy jeweller already
here, and he only went away after I gave him my promise to speak to-
day with your majesty."
The queen had at the outset listened with speechless amazement, and
as Campan approached the close of her communication, her eyes opened
wider and wider. She had stood as rigid as a statue. But now all at
once life and animation took possession of this statue; a glowing
purple-red diffused itself over her cheeks, and directing her eyes,
which blazed with wonderful fire, to the king, she said, with a loud
and commanding voice, "Sire, you have heard this story. Your wife is
accused, and the queen is even charged with having a secret
understanding with Cardinal Rohan. I desire an investigation--a
rigid, strict investigation. Call at once, Lord Breteuil, that we
may take counsel with him. But I insist upon having this done."
"And your will is law, madame," said the king, directing an
affectionate glance at the excited face of the queen. "Come out,
Breteuil!"
And as between the curtains appeared the serious, sad face of the
minister, the king turned to his wife and said: "I wished that he
might be a secret witness of this interview, and survey the position
which you should take in this matter.
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