"Why, my lord, the enemy has gone for reinforcements and they stand yonder, loading their guns, while behind the Chalons National Guards the peasants are ready with their guns."
"What do you think of all this?"
"That we are caught between two fires, which will not prevent us passing, but what will happen to your Majesty I cannot tell."
"Very well, let us turn back. Enough blood has been shed for my sake and I weep bitter tears for it. I do not wish one drop more to flow. Let us return."
"Gentlemen," said Charny, jumping down and taking the leader horse by the bridle, "the King bids us turn back."
At the Paris Gate the Chalons National Guards, become useless, gave place to those from Rheims and Vitry.
"Do you not think I behaved properly, madam?" inquired Louis of his wife.
"Yes—but I think Count Charny obeyed you very easily," was her comment.
She fell into one of those gloomy reveries which was not entirely due to the terrible situation in which she was hedged in.