Necker personally, arraigned
his plans, and proposed one which some of his engines had put into his
hands. Mr. Necker, whose characteristic is the want of firmness, was
browbeaten and intimidated, and the King shaken. He determined that the
two plans should be deliberated on the next day, and the _seance royale_
put off a day longer. This encouraged a fiercer attack on Mr. Necker
the next day; his plan was totally dislocated, and that of the Count
d'Artois inserted into it. Himself and Monsieur de Montmorin offered
their resignation, which was refused; the Count d'Artois saying to
Mr. Necker, 'No, Sir, you must be kept as the hostage; we hold you
responsible for all the ill which shall happen.' This change of plan was
immediately whispered without doors. The nobility were in triumph, the
people in consternation. When the King passed, the next day, through the
lane they formed from the Chateau to the _Hotel des Etats_ (about half
a mile), there was a dead silence. He was about an hour in the House,
delivering his speech and declaration, copies of which I enclose you.
On his coming out, a feeble cry of 'Vive le Roy' was raised by some
children, but the people remained silent and sullen.
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