which blazed with wonderful fire, to the king, she said, with a loud
and commanding voice, "Sire, you have heard this story. Your wife is
accused, and the queen is even charged with having a secret
understanding with Cardinal Rohan. I desire an investigation--a
rigid, strict investigation. Call at once, Lord Breteuil, that we
may take counsel with him. But I insist upon having this done."

"And your will is law, madame," said the king, directing an
affectionate glance at the excited face of the queen. "Come out,
Breteuil!"

And as between the curtains appeared the serious, sad face of the
minister, the king turned to his wife and said: "I wished that he
might be a secret witness of this interview, and survey the position
which you should take in this matter."

"Oh, sire!" exclaimed Marie Antoinette, extending her hand to him,
"so you did not for an instant doubt my innocence?"

"No, truly, not a moment," answered the king, with a smile. "But now
come, madame, we will consider with Breteuil what is to be done, and
then we will summon the Abbe de Viermont, that he may take part in
our deliberations."

On the next day, the 15th of August, a brilliant, select company was
assembled in the saloons of Versailles. It was a great holiday,
Ascension-day, and the king and the queen, with the entire court,
intended to be present at the mass, which the cardinal and the grand
almoner would celebrate in the chapel.