The Queen’s women remained trembling in the palace.
One man alone defended their door, and fell—generous sentinel!
Danton was the very king of the massacre; and publicly he thanked the people for their day’s work.
Meanwhile, calm, patient, implacable, Robespierre—he who was to conquer Danton—waited quietly abiding his time, but always feeling his way.
The Assembly soon learnt the true state of affairs; and, by their orders, a few Swiss were saved, by being hidden in the passages and cellars of the House of Assembly.
And now, the Revolutionists, eager for blood, but not for riches, brought before the National Assembly the spoils of the Tuileries. Sacks upon sacks of gold, plate, precious stones, costly ornaments, and even heaps of letters—even the money found upon the dead Swiss was set out in a separate pile.
The Girondists now felt that the time was come to abandon the throne. Vergniaud drew up an act for the provisional suspension of royalty. This was at once passed.
The King’s fall was signed. A few hours before, he abandoned his palace. Now, by this Act, the King’s authority was revoked; payment of money to royalty was stopped; and the National Assembly declared to hold possession of the persons of the royal family until happier times arrived.
This was virtually dethroning the King, and taking him prisoner.
And how did the King accept this news?