A FAMOUS NECKLACE 255
sailles,
Cardinal de Rohan in his purple and scarlet vestments was suddenly
placed under arrest, and thus humiliated was conducted from the King's
cabinet through the crowd of amazed courtiers who thronged the OEil de
Bceuf into the guard-room. The scene in the King's cabinet had been
brief. The cardinal, summoned to the royal presence, found Louis, Marie
Antoinette, and the first Minister of State awaiting him, all in
evident agitation.
"You have lately bought a diamond necklace," said the King abruptly. " What have you done with it ? "
The cardinal glanced imploringly at the Queen who turned upon him eyes blazing with anger.
"Sire, I have been deceived," cried the cardinal, becoming suddenly pale, " I will pay for the necklace myself."
More angry questions from the King, more faltering confused answers from the cardinal, and meanwhile the stern implacable face ol the incensed Queen turned towards him. The door
