"
Louis cast a significant look at his wife, which was answered with a
proud toss of her head.
"I have sought in vain," continued Lafayette, "to make the poor,
misguided men conscious of the impossibility of such a plan."
"Yet, sir," broke in Marie Antoinette, fiercely, "the execution of
this plan would save the crown from dishonor and humiliation!"
"Only, madame, that it is exactly the execution of it which is
impossible," answered Lafayette, gently bowing.
"If you could give wings to the soldiers of the various garrisons
away from here, the plan might be good, and the army might save the
country! But as, unfortunately, this cannot be, we must think of
other means of help, for your majesty hears the danger knocking now
at the door, and we must do with pacificatory measures what we
cannot do with force."
"How will you use pacificatory measures, sir?" asked Marie
Antoinette, angrily.
Lafayette cast upon her a sad, pained look, and turned to the king.
"Sire," said he, with loud, solemn voice, "sire, the people are
frightfully carried away. Stimulating speeches have driven them to
despair and to madness. It is only with difficulty that we have
succeeded in keeping the mob out of the palace, and closing the door
again. 'Paris shall be laid in ashes!' is the horrible cry which
drives all these hearts to rage, and to which they give
unconditional belief!"
"I will show myself to the people," said Louis.
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