They were alone in the Library.
There was no ceremonial.

President Hardouin thus opened the debate: "Gentlemen, there is no need to explain the situation, we all know what it is." Article 68 of the Constitution was imperative.

It was necessary that the High Court should meet _under penalty of high treason_.

They gained time, they swore themselves in, they appointed as Recorder of the High Court M.
Bernard, Recorder of the Court of Cassation, and they sent to fetch him, and while waiting requested the librarian, M.Denevers, to hold his pen in readiness.

They settled the time and place for an evening meeting.
They talked of the conduct of the Constituent Martin (of Strasbourg), with which they were offended, regarding it almost as a nudge of the elbow given by Politics to Justice.