Part 33 (2/2)
”I will a.s.sist you with all my heart, monseigneur; be a.s.sured of that.”
”How did it come about?”
”At half past twelve the queen was with her women--”
”Where?”
”In her bedchamber--”
”Go on.”
”When someone came and brought her a handkerchief from her laundress.”
”And then?”
”The queen immediately exhibited strong emotion; and despite the rouge with which her face was covered evidently turned pale--”
”And then, and then?”
”She then arose, and with altered voice, 'Ladies,' said she, 'wait for me ten minutes, I shall soon return.' She then opened the door of her alcove, and went out.”
”Why did not Madame de Lannoy come and inform you instantly?”
”Nothing was certain; besides, her Majesty had said, 'Ladies, wait for me,' and she did not dare to disobey the queen.”
”How long did the queen remain out of the chamber?”
”Three-quarters of an hour.”
”None of her women accompanied her?”
”Only Donna Estafania.”
”Did she afterward return?”
”Yes; but only to take a little rosewood casket, with her cipher upon it, and went out again immediately.”
”And when she finally returned, did she bring that casket with her?”
”No.”
”Does Madame de Lannoy know what was in that casket?”
”Yes; the diamond studs which his Majesty gave the queen.”
”And she came back without this casket?”
”Yes.”
<script>