In fact, there was something strange in the conduct of these two women. The queen seemed to love Andrée; Andrée respected the queen greatly, and nevertheless at certain moments they did not appear to be, the one an affectionate queen, the other a devoted subject, but two determined enemies.
As we have already said, the potent will of Andrée soon restored her strength. She rose up, respectfully removed the queen’s hand, and, courtesying to her:—
“Your Majesty,” said she, “has given me permission to retire to my own room.”
“Yes, undoubtedly; and you are always free, dear Countess, and this you know full well. Etiquette is not intended for you. But before you retire, have you nothing to tell me?”
“I, Madame?” asked Andrée. “Yes, you, without doubt.”
“No: what should I have to tell you?”
“In regard to this Monsieur Gilbert, the sight of whom has made so strong an impression upon you.”
Andrée trembled; but she merely made a sign of denial.
“In that case, I will not detain you any longer, dear Andrée; you may go.”
And the queen took a step towards the door of the dressing-room, which communicated with her bedroom.
Andrée, on her side, having made her obeisance to the queen in the most irreproachable manner, was going towards the door.
But at the very moment she was about to open it, steps were heard in the corridor, and a hand was placed on the external handle of the door.
At the same time the voice of Louis XVI. was heard, giving orders for the night to his valet.
“The king, Madame!” said Andrée, retreating several steps; “the king!”
“And what of that? Yes, it is the king,” said Marie Antoinette. “Does he terrify you to such a degree as this?”
“Madame, in the name of Heaven,” cried Andrée, “let me not see the king! Let me not meet the king face to face, at all events this evening. I should die of shame.”
“But finally you will tell me—”
“Everything—yes, everything—if your Majesty requires it. But hide me!”
“Go into my boudoir,” said Marie Antoinette. “You can leave it as soon as the king himself retires. Rest assured your captivity will not be of long duration; the king never remains here long.”
“Oh, thanks!—thanks!” exclaimed the countess. And rushing into the boudoir, she disappeared at the very moment that the king, having opened the door, appeared upon the threshold of the chamber.
The king entered.
Chapter XXX
A King and a Queen
THE queen, after glancing round, exchanged friendly greetings with the king, who gave her his hand.
“To what good chance,” asked Marie Antoinette, “do I owe this visit?”
“Really to chance; you have spoken correctly, Madame. I have just met De Charny, who said he was commissioned by you to go and tell all our warriors to keep themselves quiet. It affords me much pleasure that you have taken so wise a resolution, and I was unwilling to pass your apartment without thanking you.”
“Yes,” said the queen, “I have in fact reconsidered the matter, and have come to the conclusion that it is decidedly the best course to leave the troops at rest, and thus to afford no pretext for intestine war.”
“Good! that is right!” said the king. “I am delighted to find you of that opinion. I knew very well that I should bring you over to it at last.”
“Your Majesty sees that you have gained your object without much trouble; since, uninfluenced by you, I have formed my decision.”
“Well done! that is a proof that you are almost reasonable, and when I have communicated to you some of my reflections, you will be so altogether.”
“But if we are of the same opinion, Sire, to impart to me these reflections would be useless.”
“Oh, calm yourself, Madame! I have no wish to enter upon discussion; you know well that I like it no more than you do. This will be a conversation. Come, now; are you not glad to talk with me occasionally about the affairs of France, as a good wife does with her spouse about domestic matters?”
These last words were uttered with that perfect good-nature which Louis XVI. invariably manifested towards his familiar friends.