It seemed as though at this moment the critical juncture of public affairs gave them a majestic calmness, and that all the wisdom of the great nation was concentrated in its representatives--one feeling alone dictated every act, every thought, every resolution,--to preserve and defend the constitution, even although the king was absent, and the royalty virtually dead.

To take temporary possession of the regency of the kingdom, to summon the ministers, to send couriers on every road, to arrest all individuals leaving the kingdom; to visit the arsenal, to supply arms, to send the generals to their posts, and to garrison the frontiers,--all this was the work of an instant; there was no "right," no "left," no "centre;" the "left" comprised all.

The Assembly was informed that one of the aides-de-camp of M.de La Fayette, sent by him on his own responsibility, and previous to any orders from the Assembly, was in the power of the people, who accused M.de La Fayette and his staff of treason; and messengers were sent to free him.
The aide-de-camp entered the chamber and announced the object of his mission; the Assembly gave a second order, sanctioning that of M.de La Fayette, and he departed.

Barnave, who perceived in the popular irritation against La Fayette a fresh peril, hastened to mount the tribune; and although up to that period he had been opposed to the popular general, he yet generously, or adroitly, defended him against the suspicions of the people, who were ready to abandon him.

It was said that for some days past Lameth and Barnave, in succeeding Mirabeau in the Assembly, felt, like himself, the necessity of some secret intelligence with this remnant of the monarchy.