"The young Veto is ill, it appears, from want of proper air and exercise."
"Well, is it necessary again to bring this before the public? The nation granted her permission to walk in the garden, and she refused it. Good-morning."
"That is exactly it. She regrets this now, and requests you will permit her to do so."
"There is no difficulty about that. You all hear," said Santerre, "that Capet's wife will come down to walk in the garden. Now," addressing the whole battalion, "take care she does not abuse this favor granted her by the nation, by making her escape over the wall; for if that happens I will cut off every one of your heads." A roar of laughter followed this pleasantry of the citizen general. "Now that is settled," said Santerre, "adieu. I am going to the Commune. It appears that they have reunited Roland and Barbaroux, and the question under debate is to deliver them a passport to another world."
It was this intelligence that had put the citizen general in such good humor.
He then galloped away.
The battalion who were removing the guard followed him; then the municipals also gave place to those who had received Santerre's instructions respecting the queen.
One of the municipals went up to Marie Antoinette and informed her that the general had granted her request.
"Oh!" thought she, looking through the window toward heaven, "does thy wrath abate, Lord? and does thy terrible right hand grow weary of pressing so heavily upon us?"
"Thanks, Monsieur," said she to the municipal, with that fascinating smile which had proved the ruin of Barnave, and turned the heads of so many of his fellowmen,—"thanks!"