"I saw people packed on the waterside waiting for the flour boats; others crowding the bakers' doors, waiting for bread. A famishing people--husbands watching their wives sadly, mothers mourning over their babes. Their fists were clenched and shaken in the direction of Versailles. Alas, I fear that the dangers which my brothers and I are ready to brave, and under which we may die, will not long be forthcoming----"
The Queen had leaned on a window sill and with a view of expressing unconcern, she looked out instead of towards the count. They saw her start, and she exclaimed:
"Andrea, who is this rider?--he seems by his speed to bear news in hot haste."
Andrea went up, but almost instantly retreated, turning pale, and gasped in reproach:
"So it is," said Marie Antoinette in such a tone that it was not possible to tell whether she had or had not visited on Andrea her personal spite.
Gilbert arrived with the sequel to the ominous scenes which Charny described. The famished women had started for Versailles; they were escorted by ragamuffins willing to be shielded by their petticoats and ripe for any deeds.
"Seven or eight thousand women," repeated the Queen when Gilbert had delivered his message of coming woe. She spoke with scorn.
"But they have been reinforced to double that number on the way. They are hungry and come to ask bread of the King."
"Prepare the King to receive them," suggested Gilbert.
"Why expose him?" she expostulated, with that bravery and personal consciousness of her traits and of her husband's weakness which ought not to be exhibited before strangers.
But were Charny and Gilbert strangers--one destined to guard the King, the other the Queen?
The count replied for both, having resumed all his command, for he had sacrificed his pride.
"Madam, Dr. Gilbert is right; the King is still loved, he will make a speech and disarm these furies."
"But who will apprise the King? he is in Meudon Woods and the ways may be blocked."
"Will your Majesty see in me not the courtier but the man of war?" returned the Count, simply. "A soldier is made to be slain."
He did not wait for an answer or to hear the sigh, but rapidly went out and, mounting a guardman's horse, sped away for Meudon.