was not mistaken; for the
citizens, who were all called out, are returning home with composed
countenances, shouldering their arms. About nine o'clock this
morning the King passed by my window, moving silently along,
excepting now and then a few strokes on the drum which rendered the
stillness more awful, through empty streets, surrounded by the
National Guards, who, clustering round the carriage, seemed to
deserve their name. The inhabitants flocked to their windows, but
the casements were all shut; not a voice was heard, nor did I see
anything like an insulting gesture. For the first time since I
entered France I bowed to the majesty of the people, and respected
the propriety of behavior, so perfectly in unison with my own
feelings. I can scarcely tell you why, but an association of ideas
made the tears flow insensibly from my eyes, when I saw Louis
sitting, with more dignity than I expected from his character, in a
hackney-coach, going to meet death where so many of his race have
triumphed. My fancy instantly brought Louis XIV. before me,
entering the capital with all his pomp, after one of the victories
most flattering to his pride, only to see the sunshine of
prosperity overshadowed by the sublime gloom of misery. I have been
alone ever since; and though my mind is calm, I cannot dismiss the
lively images that have filled my imagination all the day. Nay, do
not smile, but pity me, for once or twice, lifting my eyes from the
paper, I have seen eyes glare through a glass door opposite my
chair, and bloody hands shook at me. Not the distant sound of a
footstep can I hear. My apartments are remote from those of the
servants, the only persons who sleep with me in an immense hotel,
one folding-door opening after another. I wish I had even kept the
cat with me! I want to see something alive, death in so many
frightful shapes has taken hold of my fancy. I am going to bed, and
for the first time in my life I cannot put out the candle.

M. W.

These imaginary terrors gave way to real ones soon enough. The execution
of Louis was followed by the declaration of war between France and
England and the complete demoralization of the French people, especially
of the Parisians. The feeling against England grew daily more bitter, and
the position of English residents in Paris mo