Madame Adelaide advanced some steps, for the queen did not change
her position nor hasten toward her as she had perhaps expected; her
irritated look increased still more, and she did not take a seat.

"I come perhaps at an inconvenient season for your majesty," said
she, with a tart smile. "The queen perhaps was just upon the point
of going to Trianon, whither as I hear, the king has already
proceeded?"

"Has your highness heard that?" asked the queen, smiling. "I wonder
what sharp ears Madame Adelaide always has to catch such a trifling
rumor, while my younger ones have never caught the least hint of the
important approach of the princess, and so I am equally surprised
and delighted at the unexpected appearance of my gracious and loving
aunt."

Every one of these words, which were spoken so cheerily and with
such a pleasant smile, seemed to pierce the princess like the prick
of a needle, and caused her to press her lips together in just such
a way as if she wanted to check an outcry of pain or suppress some
hidden rage. Marie Antoinette, while speaking of the sharp ears
which madame always had, had hinted at the advanced age no less than
at the curiosity of the princess, and had brought her young and
unburdened ears into very advantageous contrast with them.

"Would your majesty grant me the favor of an interview?" asked
Madame Adelaide, who did not possess the power of entering on a
contest with her exalted niece, with sharp yet graceful words.

"I am prepared with all pleasure," answered the queen, cheerfully;