“If I had the honor and the misfortune to be the wearer of the crown, I should remember the cheers I heard round my carriage, and I should hold out my hands to General Lafayette and Member Mirabeau.”
“Can you advise this when you detest one and scorn the other?”
“My sympathies are of no moment, the whole question is the safety of the crown and the salvation of the monarchy.”
“Just what Dr. Gilbert says,” muttered the hearer as though speaking to himself.
“Sire, I am happy to be in tune with such an eminent man.”
“But if I were to agree to such a union and there should be failure, what think you I ought to do?”
“Think of your safety and your family’s.”
“Then you suggest that I should flee?”
“I should propose that your Majesty should retire with such regiments as are reliable and the true nobles to some fortified place.”
“Ah,” said the King with a radiant face: “but among the commanders who have given proof of devotion, you knowing them all, to which would you confide this dangerous mission, of guarding and removing the King?”