This came as a relief.

Detachments of the national guards had to repair immediately to each gate and double-lock it.

When they had returned, several members confessed that they really felt more comfortable; and when Pierre remarked that the critical situation of the town imposed upon them the duty of remaining at their posts, some of them made arrangements with the view of spending the night in an arm-chair.

Granoux put on a black silk skull cap which he had brought with him by way of precaution.
Towards eleven o'clock, half of the gentlemen were sleeping round Monsieur Garconnet's writing table.

Those who still managed to keep their eyes open fancied, as they listened to the measured tramp of the national guards in the courtyard, that they were heroes and were receiving decorations.