Dauphin of France, you have to-
day gained a soldier for your throne who is prepared to shed his
last drop of blood for you and your house, and on whose fidelity and
devotion you may continually count."
With tears in his eyes, his brave, noble face quivering with
emotion, Lafayette looked at the child that with cheeks all aglow
and with a pleasant smile was gazing with great, thoughtful child's
eyes up to the strong man, who placed himself so humbly and
devotedly at his feet. Behind him stood M. de Bailly, with bended
head and folded hands, listening with solemn thoughtfulness to the
words of the general, upon whose strong shoulders the fate of the
monarchy rested, and who, at this time, was the mightiest and most
conspicuous man in France, because the National Guard of Paris was
still obedient to him, and followed his commands.
Close by the dauphin stood the queen, in her old, proud attitude,
but upon her face a striking change had taken place. The expression
of anger and suspicion which it had before displayed had not
completely disappeared. The cloud which had gathered upon her lofty
forehead was dissipated, and her face shone out bright and clear.
The large, grayish-blue eyes, which before had shot angry darts, now
glowed with mild fire, and around her lips played an instant that
fair, pleasant smile which, in her happier days, had often moved the
favorites of the queen to verses of praise, and which her enemies
had so often made a reproach to her.
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