After some discussion, it had been settled that Louis should be crowned alone.

There had not been many precedents for the coronation of a queen in France; and the last instance, that of Marie de Medicis, as having been followed by the assassination of her husband, was regarded by many as a bad omen.

If Marie Antoinette had herself expressed any wish to be her husband's partner in the solemnity, it would certainly have been complied with, and their subsequent fate would have been regarded as a confirmation of the evil augury.

But she was indifferent on the subject, and quite contented to behold it as a spectator.

It took place on Sunday, the 11th of June, in the grand Cathedral at Rheims.