As for me, I was not long in bartering my livery coat for the blue blouse of a workman; and thus that afternoon, as the light was beginning to fail, and all the world was talking of the execution of the beautiful Madame Roland, which was to take place in the morning, three humble persons quitted the side door of the Hotel Lambert and bent their steps dolefully towards the bridge that led across to the Quai near the Island of the City, once known as Quai Necker.
We hoped that here at least we should find a retreat until it was possible to consider what next should be done.
Leaving the ladies to inspect the stalls which lined the river, I ascended first to announce their arrival; but half-way up the long stairs I encountered a middle-aged woman with sour, haggard face, who demanded my business.
"I desire to see Madame Lestrange, who lives on the highest stage," said I.
"Madame Lestrange lives there no longer," said she with a shrug.

"Last night she and her husband and their servant were put under arrest on the accusation of Depute Duport, for holding connection during his life with the traitor Sillery." "Arrested!" exclaimed I, staggered at the news.
"Arrested," said she dryly, "and are now at the Austin Convent.

To- morrow, perhaps, we may hear of them at the Place." This was too terrible, but I durst not betray my horror.
"Then," said I, "if that is so, the top stage is vacant.

I am seeking lodgings for my mother and sister and myself, and had hoped Madame Lestrange could have helped me." "The top floor is vacant," said the woman, brightening up, for the calamity of the day had robbed her of her tenants, "to any one who can pay five francs a week." "We can do that," said I, "and can pay you in advance." "Enough," said the woman, holding out her hand greedily.
I brought the ladies up, breaking the news about their kinsfolk on the way, and imploring them to keep up appearances.

The landlady scrutinised them sharply, and demanded what their occupation was.
"We are seamstresses, my child and I," said my lady; "and my son earns what he can at the stables." "If you are good workers," said the woman, "I can give you some employ.
Come up and see your rooms." It was a sad introduction, that of these delicate ladies to the squalid apartments of their arrested kinsfolk.