A FAMOUS NECKLACE. 249
accepted
his offer, and wrote to him little gilt-edged missives mysteriously
worded and of loving import. The cardinal was exalted with joy. To be
not only redeemed from disgrace, but to be in possession of the haughty
Queen's affections was beyond his wildest hopes or aspirations.
Still
acting upon the suggestions of the countess the cardinal bought the
necklace, and, for the satisfaction of the jewelers, drew up a
promissory note, which was intended to be submitted to Her Majesty and
was in fact returned, approved and signed, Marie Antoinette de France. This letter came through the hands of
Madame de la Motte in the same mysterious fashion in which the
correspondence had hitherto been conducted. The cardinal thereupon
brought the necklace to Madame de la Motte's house at Versailles,
delivered it over to the supposed lackeys of the Queen, and went away
rejoicing. Madame herself was feasted sumptuously by the grateful
jewelers, who were
