"God be thanked! This way, Dr. Gilbert!"
Two woman's hearts thrilled variously at this name: Andrea's and the Queen's. Charny, turning instinctively, saw both turn pale; he sighed as he shook his head.
"Open the doors, gentlemen," cried the King. "Here are friends."
The Lifeguardsmen hurried to tear down the remains of the barrier. During their work the voice of Marquis Lafayette was heard:
"Gentlemen of the National Guard, I pledged my word last night to the King that nothing appertaining to his Majesty should incur harm. If you allow his Lifeguards to be hurt, you break my word of honor, and I shall no longer be worthy of being your chief."
When the obstacles were removed, the two first persons seen were General Lafayette and Gilbert: a little to their left was Billet, delighted at having had a part in the King's deliverance. It was he who had gone and roused up the general for this deed.
"Long live the King—long live the Queen!" roared Billet. "Ah, if you had stayed in Paris this would not have happened."
"General, what do you advise?" asked the King of the marquis.
"I think you should show yourself at the window."
Gilbert nodded, and Louis walked straight to the window, opened it and stepped out on the balcony.