"Now," said Santerre, "we are going to read the decree of the Convention to you."
"What decree?" demanded the queen.
"The decree which orders you to be separated from your son."
"Is it, then, true that this decree exists?"
"Yes; the Convention has too much regard for the health of a child confided to its guardianship, to leave him in the care of a mother so depraved."
The eyes of the queen flashed lightning.
"But make some accusation at least, tigers that you are."
"That is not at all difficult," said a municipal; and he pronounced one of those infamous accusations brought by Suetonius against Agrippina.
"Oh!" cried the queen, standing, pale with indignation, "I appeal from it to the heart of every mother."
"That is all very fine," said a municipal; "but we have already been here two hours, and cannot lose the whole day. Get up, Capet, and follow us."