There's a historic necklace worth half a million at least." "Could I have it ?" asked Chauvelin.
Robespierre laughed and shrugged his shoulders.
"You said it belonged to the Marny family," continued the ex-ambassador.
"Juliette Marny is in England.

I might meet her.

I cannot tell what may happen: but I feel that the historic necklace might prove useful.

Just as you please," he added with renewed indifference.

"It was a thought that flashed through my mind when you spoke--nothing more." "And to show you how thoroughly the government trusts you, Citizen Chauvelin," replied Robespierre with perfect urbanity, "I will myself direct that the Marny necklace be placed unreservedly in your hands; and a sum of fifty thousand francs for your expenses in England.