the
danger ahead. " Those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make
mad," is the classic proverb which must be resorted to in this case. On
no other supposition can their remaining in Paris be explained. Madame
used diamonds for her pocket money and tendered them for everything she
wanted, exchanging one for a couple of pots of pomade.
The
first payment not having been made, and the Queen having never
addressed the cardinal in public nor ever worn the necklace, both
prelate and jeweler began to be surprised. The latter wrote to the
Queen an humble but mysterious letter expressive of his willingness to
await Her Majesty's convenience if she could not pay up punctually.
Marie Antoinette read the letter, but not understanding it, twisted it
up into a taper and lighted it at her candle. She then bade Madame
Campan find out what "madman Bohmer " wanted. Madame Campan saw the
jeweler, heard his explanation, told him the Queen never had had the
necklace at all,
