A FAMOUS NECKLACE.                     253
	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,