Lamoignon went up to the throne; he said a few words in a low voice.

"Mr.Keeper of the seals, have the edicts enregistered," said Louis XVI.

The minister immediately repeated the formula used at beds of justice.

A murmur ran through the assembly; the Duke of Orleans rose; he had recently become the head of his house through his father's death, and found himself more than ever involved in intrigues hostile to the court.

"Sir," said he in a broken voice, "this registration appears to me illegal.