ith what they saw to take some measures
for Louis's relief. They had been sent by the Convention, on the
downfall and death of the great revolutionary leader, Robespierre, to
see what was the state of things at the Temple; and in consequence of
their report, a person named Laurent was appointed to visit the royal
children.

At last, Louis found himself visited, several times in the day, by one
whom he need not be afraid of. Laurent spoke tenderly to him, and told
him he should be better taken care of. The dirty bed was carried away;
the window was opened, and the room cleaned; and then a clean
comfortable bed was brought in. The best thing was that Louis was put
into a warm-bath; and Laurent cleansed him from head to foot. Louis was
sorry to see Laurent leave the room; but he knew he would soon be back
again; and never failed to appear three times during the day. He would
have done more for the poor boy: he would have changed his room, and
found him amusements, and had him well nursed, but that he feared being
dismissed if he showed too much indulgence at once; and that then Louis
would be allowed to relapse into his former state. Perhaps it was
better for the boy that the improvement in his condition took place
gradually; for it might have overpowered him to have had people about
him, taking care of him all day, after so many months spent entirely
alone.

In November there was another Commission sent to the prison, to give
further account of Louis. One of the visitors, a kind-hearted
gentleman, named Gomier, remained to assist Laurent in his charge.
Gomier devoted himself to the boy, and made him as comfortable as he
could be made in his diseased state. Louis need not fear the long dark
winter evenings this year; for Gomier had lights brought, as soon as it
grew dusk. Gomier passed many hours of the day in talking with him, and
got him to play sometimes. Gomier rubbed the swollen joints of his
knees and wrists, and obtained leave to give him such exercise as he
could take. He did not carry him at once into the open air, but removed
him into a little parlour, where Louis seemed so happy that it touched
the heart of his kind guardian. Then Gomier and Laurent took him to the
leads again, and wished him to go there every fine day. They used all
gentle means to tempt him up, and to amuse him when there,--but poor
Louis was now too weak to enjoy air and exercise. He complained
directly of being tired, and be