If the proof of this were to be
displayed to you, it would be right to accuse you of high-treason.
We have already exhibited the proof that it was not Queen Marie
Antoinette who made an appointment with the cardinal in Versailles,
but that it was the comedy planned and brought out by yourself, with
which you deceived the cardinal, and made him believe that he was
going to buy the necklace of which you intended to rob him. It only
remains to show you that the subscription of the queen and the
letters to the cardinal were forged by you."
"And certainly," cried the countess, "I am very curious to have you
exhibit the proofs of this!"
"That is a very simple matter," answered the president, calmly. "We
confront you with him who at your direction imitated the handwriting
of the queen and wrote the letters. Officer, summon the last
witness!"
The officer threw open the door which led to the next room. A
breathless silence prevailed in the great hall; every one was
intensely eager to see this last witness who was to uncover the web
of frauds of the countess's spinning. The great burning eyes of the
accused, too, were turned to this door, and her compressed lips and
her piercing glance disclosed a little of the anxiety of her soul,
although her bearing and manner were still impudent and scornful.
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