The queen was standing up, pressing her two children to her bosom, and listening with mortal anxiety to the vociferations at her door.

She had near her no one but M.de Lajard, minister of war,--alone, powerless, but devoted; a few ladies of her suite, and the Princesse de Lamballe, that friend of her happy and unhappy hours.

Daughter-in-law of the Duc de Penthievre, and sister-in-law of the Duc d'Orleans, the Princesse de Lamballe had succeeded in the queen's heart to that deep affection which Marie Antoinette had long entertained for the Comtesse de Polignac.

The friendship of Marie Antoinette was adoration.

Chilled by the coldness of the king, who had the virtues only, and not the graces of a husband; detested by the people, weary of the throne, she gave vent in private predilections to the overflow of a heart equally desirous and void of sentiment.