"
And Marie Antoinette kept her word; she did not refuse to allow
Geroid to enter; but when he asked her if she wished to receive the
consolations of religion from him, she declined.
Then, in order to warm her feet, which were cold, she walked up and
down her little room. As it struck seven the door opened. It was
Samson, the public executioner, who entered!
A slight thrill passed through the form of the queen.
"You have come very early, sir; could you not delay a little?" When
Samson denied her request, Marie Antoinette put on her calm, cold
manner. She drank, without resistance, a cup of chocolate which was
brought to her; she remained possessed, and wore her wonted air of
dignity as they bound her hands behind her with thick cords.
At eleven o'clock she left her room, passed through the corridor,
and ascended the car, which was waiting for her before the prison
door. No one accompanied her, no one bade her a last farewell, not a
look of pity or compassion was bestowed upon her by her keepers.
Alone, between the rows of gens d'armes that were placed along the
sides of the corridor, the queen advanced, Samson walking behind
her, carrying the end of the rope with which the queen's hands were
bound, and behind him his two assistants and the priest. This is the
retinue of the queen, the daughter of an emperor, on the way to her
execution!
It may be, that at this hour thousands are on their knees, offering
their fervent prayers to God in behalf of Marie Antoinette, whom, in
their hearts, they continued to call "the queen;" it may be that
thousands are pouring out tears of compassion for her who now mounts
the wretched car, and sits down on the board which is bound by ropes
to the sides of the vehicle.
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