love for your native place
doubtless makes you wish to learn the events which have occurred in
that part of the republic. I shall call at your residence in about an
hour. Be so good as to receive me and give me a brief interview. I will
put you in such condition as to render great service to France.

This letter failed to gain her admission, and so did another which she
wrote soon after. The fact is that Marat was grievously ill. His
disease had reached a point where the pain could be assuaged only by
hot water; and he spent the greater part of his time wrapped in a
blanket and lying in a large tub.

A third time, however, the persistent girl called at his house and
insisted that she must see him, saying that she was herself in danger
from the enemies of the Republic. Through an open door Marat heard her
mellow voice and gave orders that she should be admitted.

As she entered she gazed for a moment upon the lank figure rolling in
the tub, the rat-like face, and the shifting eyes. Then she approached
him, concealing in the bosom of her dress a long carving-knife which
she had purchased for two francs. In answer to Marat's questioning look
she told him that there was much excitement at Caen and that the
Girondists were plotting there.

To this Marat answered, in his harsh voice:

"All these men you mention shall be guillotined in the next few days!"

As he spoke Charlotte flashed out the terrible knife and with all her
strength she plunged it into his left side, where it pierced a lung and
a portion of his heart.

Marat, with the blood gushing from his mouth, cried out:

"Help, darling!"

His cry was meant for one of the two women in the house. Both heard it,
for they were in the next room; and both of them rushed in and
succeeded in pinioning Charlotte Corday, who, indeed, made only a
slight effort to escape. Troops were summoned, she was taken to the
Prison de l'Abbaye, and soon after she was arraigned before the
revolutionary tribunal.

Placed in the dock, she glanced about her with an air of pride, as of
one who gloried in the act which she had just performed. A written
charge was read. She was asked what she had to say. Lifting her head
with a look of infinite satisfaction, she answered in a ringing voice:

"Nothing--except that I succeeded!"

A lawyer was assigned for her defense. He pleaded for her earnestly,
declaring that she must he regarded as insane; but those clear, calm
eyes and that gentle