Robespierre looked at the pistol, and pushed it aside with an expression of utter weariness.
"Why should I? Let death come as it pleases!"
Just then a door opened and Clarisse, breathless with fear, rushed in, clasping Thérèse tightly by the hand. Fearful and threatening sounds entered with her through the open door.
Robespierre turned and saw her.
"Unhappy woman! Not gone yet!"
Almost mad with terror, she told him that they could not escape, the assailants were at their heels.
Robespierre wildly seized the pistol from the table and pointed to the other exit.
"Fly that way! I will kill the first to gain time!"
Clarisse dragged Thérèse towards the door, but recoiled with a terrified shriek. Loud shouts were heard coming that way. Robespierre rushed forward and pushed them towards another door opposite.
"This way, then! Fly! for pity's sake, fly!"