This happened on a
Thursday; on the following Sunday I repaired to Versailles to
celebrate high mass, and the rest you know. I have nothing further
to add."
"In the name of the court I thank your eminence for your open and
clear exposition of this sad history," said the president, solemnly.
"Your eminence needs refreshment, you are free to withdraw and to
return to the Bastile."
The cardinal rose and bowed to the court. All the judges stood, and
respectfully returned the salutation. [Footnote: 'Historical.--See
"Memoires de l'Abbe Georgel," vol. i.]
One of the veiled ladies, sitting on the spectators' seats, cried
with trembling voice: "God bless the cardinal, the noble martyr of
the realm!"
All the spectators repeated the cry; and, while the words yet rang,
the cardinal, followed by the officers who were to take him to the
Bastile, had left the hall.
"Guards!" cried President de L'Aigre, with a loud voice, "bring in
the accused, the Countess de Lamotte-Valois!"
All eyes directed themselves to the door which the guards now
opened, and through which the accused was to enter.
Upon the threshold of this door appeared now a lady of slim,
graceful form, in a toilet of the greatest elegance, her head
decorated with feathers, flowers, and lace, her cheeks highly
painted, and her fine ruby lips encircled by a pert, and at the same
time a mocking smile, which displayed two rows of the finest teeth.
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