Louis, in which recently
the opening of the States-General had been celebrated, the bell was
just then striking the first hour after mid-day, when the carriage
drove out of the great gate through which the royal family must pass
on its way to Paris. A row of other carriages formed the escort of
the royal equipage. They were intended for the members of the
States-General. For as soon as the journey of the king to Paris was
announced, the National Assembly decreed that it regarded itself as
inseparably connected with the person of the king, and that it would
follow him to Paris. A deputation had instantly repaired to the
palace, to communicate this decree to the king, and had been
received by Louis with cordial expressions of thanks.
Marie Antoinette, however, had received the tidings of these
resolves of the National Assembly with, a suspicious smile, and an
angry flash darted into her eyes.
"And so, the gentlemen of the Third Estate have gained their point!"
cried she, in wrath. "They alone have produced this revolt, in order
that the National Assembly may have a pretext for going to Paris.
Now, they have reached their goal! Yet do not tell me that the
revolution is ended here. On the contrary, the hydra will now put
forth all its heads, and will tear us in pieces. But, very well! I
would rather be torn to pieces by them than bend before them!"
And, with a lofty air and calm bearing, Marie Antoinette entered the
great coach in which the royal family was to make the journey to
Paris.
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