Many persons believed, and it was really talked of, that the intentions of the Terrorists was to marry them to sans-culottes. To this party were added some priests, women, laymen, etc. The unhappy mothers were in despair. I was a witness of the scene with Madame de Pons (formerly Vicomtesse) at Perdrix's apartments. She fell on her knees before him and before Martin; she said everything to them that the desperation of such a moment could suggest, using the most touching expressions; they would listen to nothing. She fell fainting at their feet. After she recovered her consciousness, she implored to be permitted at least to follow her daughter; they refused her.
I forgot to say that a moment before Madame de Pons came to see Perdrix the latter had sent for her daughter, and in the presence of Martin and two gendarmes said to her,
'What is your name?'
'Pons.'
'Yes, but give your Christian names.'
'You should speak to my mother; I will go for her.'
'No, no; I ask you for your names.'
'There they are. May I know what use you have for them?'
'You will leave here with other prisoners to-morrow, to go to another prison.'
'Without mamma! O God! What will be my fate?'