“Speak to the King, messieurs,” said she; “it is he who should decide on this plan; it is he who should command; it is for me but to follow.”
She then added, timidly, “After all, it cannot be long before M. de Bouillé arrives.”
The gardes du corps were there ready to attempt anything.
M. de Valory said, in his and the name of all his comrades, “Her Majesty knows that she can command. We are ready to die for her.”
M. de Goguelot and M. de Choiseul chimed in.
“M. de Damas is below,” said M. de Choiseul; “he told us to tell your Majesty that he had but three or four dragoons, but that he could count on their fidelity as on his own.”
“Let us set out, sire—let us set out, since the Queen places herself in your hands.”
If the King replied yes, there was still hope.
“Messieurs,” asked the King, “can you promise me that in the struggle which must take place as a consequence of our departure, no ball will strike the Queen, my sister, or my children?”