They kissed the guns and swords which were distributed to them, and pressed them to their hearts, exclaiming: "Then we are free, since we are to die for our country!"
Just then an usher entered to announce a deputation from the Section Le Peletier.
"You see," said Delaunay, "that I knew what I was talking about. They have come to accept the conditions imposed upon them by Menou and Laporte."
The usher went out and returned five minutes later.
"The chief of the deputation asks if he and his companions will be safeguarded while he makes a communication to the Convention," he said.
Boissy d'Anglas raised his hand.
"On the honor of the nation," he said, "those who enter here shall go forth as safe and sound as they enter."
The usher retired with the answer. Profound silence reigned in the Assembly. The deputies still hoped, thanks to this unexpected occurrence, to escape from their dilemma by means of conciliatory measures. The silence was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps. All eyes turned toward the door and a shiver ran through the Assembly.
The same young man who had addressed the Convention on the previous occasion headed the deputation. His bearing showed plainly that he had not come to make submission.
"Citizen president," said Boissy d'Anglas, "you have asked to be heard and we listen to you. You have asked to be safeguarded and we accord that demand. Speak therefore."