knew not the power of prayer. But there are hours in which every soul
instinctively craves the mercy of its Creator. They all bowed
reverently, and were profoundly affected by the supplications of their
Christian friend. Fortified and tranquilized by the potency of prayer,
and determining to die, if die they must, at the post of duty, at six
o'clock they descended into the street, with pistols and daggers
concealed beneath their clothes. They succeeded, unrecognized, in
reaching the Convention in safety.

One or two of the Jacobin party were assembled there at that early
hour, and Danton, pale with the excitement of a sleepless night,
walking to and fro in nervous agitation, greeted his old friends with
a wan and melancholy smile. "Do you see," said Louvet to Gaudet, "what
horrible hope shines upon that hideous face?" The members rapidly
collected. The hall was soon filled. The Girondists were now helpless,
their sinews of power were cut, and the struggle was virtually over.
All that remained for them was to meet their fate heroically and with
an unvanquished spirit.

CHAPTER IX.

ARREST OF MADAME ROLAND.

1793

The Convention, the mob, the Jacobins.--Robespierre, Danton,
Marat.--Aspect of the mob.--The Jacobins' sword of justice.--The
Convention invaded.--Triumph of the mob.--Fraternizing with the
mob.--Paris illuminated.--Arrest of the Girondists.--Suspense of the
Rolands.--Arrest of M. Roland.--Prompt action of Madame Roland.--Madame
Roland in the petitioners' hall.--Uproar in the Assembly.--Madame
Roland's letter.--The messenger--Interview with Vergniaud.--Hope
vanishes.--Escape of M. Roland.--Scene at the Tuileries.--The deputies
embraced by the mob.--Anecdote.--Madame Roland returns home.--A
mother's tears.--Arrest of Madame Roland.--Her composure.--Insults of
the mob.--Conversation with officers.--The Abbaye.--Kindness of the
jailer's wife.--Madame Roland enters her cell.--Her first night
there.--Embarrassment of M. Roland.--His escape from Paris.--The
re-arrest and escape.--Cheerful philosophy of Madame Roland.--The cell
made a study.--Delight of the jailer and his wife.--Prison
regulations.--Coarse fare.--Prison employment.--Madame Roland's serenity
of spirit.--Intellectual pastime.--Visit from commissioners.--Madame
Roland's heroism accounted a crime.

France was now governed by the Convention. The Convention was governed
by the mob of Paris. The Jacobins were the head of this mob. They
rouse