[93] “Souvenirs d’un Sexagenaire” (Arnault).
[94] “Souvenirs de la Comtesse d’Adhémar.”
[95] At one of the most terrible crises in 1792, the Queen went into the King’s room and found him mending a lock and key. “Since you are so well used to handling steel!” she exclaimed, “why do you not take a sword?” “A sword!” he said, mechanically. “You have played Titus,” she went on, “now show yourself the descendant of Henry IV., the time has come, if you love your life you must, as chief of your race, try to conquer your kingdom!” “You look on the dark side of things,” said he, “things are going badly, but with time passions will calm down and then——” “Another family will be on your throne, Sire,” said she, throwing herself on her knees. “In the name of God, of your children, of your subjects, of your poor sister who has sacrificed herself to stay with us, cease to persist in this fatal apathy.”... With a voice broken by sobs and tears she went on with her entreaties. The King laid down his tools, looked at her with sorrowful embarrassment, and said it was not his fault, she must have patience!!
When, after being forced to hear in the Assembly the deposition of the King, Marie Antoinette exclaimed, “Ah! Sire, it would have been better to have died all together in the Tuileries” (“Souvenirs de Comtesse d’Adhémar”).
[96] “Souvenirs d’un Sexagenaire” (Arnault). “Souvenirs de Louis XVIII.”
CHAPTER III
The 10th of August—The September massacres—Tallien—The emigrant ship—Arrest at Bordeaux—In prison—Saved by Tallien.
