And amid the dreadful sounds outside the palace, the women
could recognize the deep tones of the great clock on the Swiss hall.
Four o'clock! One solitary, dreadful hour is passed! Three hours
more, three eternities before daylight comes!
But hark! what new, fearful noise without? That is no more the sound
of singing and shouting, and crying--that is the battle-cry-that is
the rattle and clatter of muskets. The three women sprang up, moved
as if by one thought, animated by one purpose. They moved the chairs
back from the door, ready, as soon as danger should approach, to go
into the chamber of the queen and awaken her. Campan then slipped
across the room to the door of the antechamber, which she had looked
before. She laid her ear to the key-hole, and listened. All was
still and quiet in the next room; no one was in the antechamber.
There was no immediate danger near, for Varicourt's voice had not
yet uttered the cry of warning.
But more fearful grew the noise outside. The crackle of musketry was
more noticeable, and every now and then there seemed to be heavy
strokes as if directed against the palace, sounding as if the people
were attempting to force the iron gate of the front court.
"I must know what is going on," whispered Campan, and with cool
decision she put the key into the door, turned it, entered the
antechamber, and flew to the window, where there was a view of the
whole court; and a fearful sight met her there.
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