The horrible drama had opened.

The tiger in the slums had tasted blood, and would want it again.
Thus far it was only an insurgent mob, committing violence, and the National Assembly at once created a body of militia, under the direction of Lafayette, for the protection of Paris.
When the news of the fall of the Bastille reached Versailles, the king, still failing to realize the gravity of the situation, exclaimed, "Then it is a revolt!" "Sire," said the Duke de Liancourt, "it is a Revolution!" The king found himself deserted.

His terrified nobles almost in a body were fleeing from the kingdom.

Bewildered, not knowing what to do, or what not to do, and desiring to assure the people that he was their friend, he appeared before the National Assembly and made the last sacrifice--accepted the Tricolor; adopted the livery of the revolutionary party! The act was received with immense enthusiasm, and the outlook became more reassuring.
Then the garrison at the palace was reenforced by a regiment from the country, and a dinner was given to welcome the new officers.

The king and queen were urged to enter the room for a few moments, simply as an act of courtesy.