It was on that Place that the hussars were stationed before they took up their lodgings in the old Convent of the Cordeliers, and it was at the “Grand Monarque,” which bore the effigy of Louis XVI, that the relays stopped; also the two officers, whom I have since discovered were M. de Bouillé, the younger, and M. de Raigecourt; and where, for eight days, they had prepared dinner for an imaginary traveller who was always expected, and who never came.
This being all explained, the reader will be able the better to understand the various scenes of the drama, which will, in due time, be laid before him.
Tired of seeing nothing fresh, though the day had been passed in excitement, at the moment the clock struck eight I quitted the house of M. Gerbaut. My intention was to walk along the road leading to Neuvilly, and if I saw nothing, to return home, go to bed, and patiently await the morrow.
Many houses had their windows open, and were lighted up.
The “Hotel du Bras d’Or” was one of these.
Some young townsmen were playing at billiards on the first floor. They were MM. Coquilard, Justin, Georges, and Soucin. Two travellers staying at the hotel by chance were playing with them. These were M. Thevenin, of Islettes, and M. Delion, of Montfaucon.
I passed under the arch, and entered the Place; two or three houses alone were lighted up.
The crowd had dispersed; not a light was burning in the Rue des Réligieuses, with the exception of two lanterns, which only made the darkness in the street visible.
I walked up the street, and stopped on the summit, whence I could see the whole town.
All seemed to sleep. The Low Town betrayed, especially on the Place, no more life.