After stopping in the rue Dauphine for the billets, which Madame de Tesse had again been able to obtain for Mr. Morris through the interest of the Duchesse d’Orleans, the three gentlemen drove straight to the Salle des Menus Plaisirs, and, by nine o’clock, were seated in the great gallery reserved for visitors.  They were fortunate enough to find themselves placed immediately behind Madame de Chastellux, Madame de St. Andre, and Madame de Flahaut, who had entered together and who were kind enough to point out for the benefit of Mr. Morris and Calvert many of the celebrities in the glittering assemblage.  For, early as the hour was, the great balcony was already crowded, while the floor was slowly filling with the deputies ushered in one after the other by Monsieur de Breze with the greatest ceremony.  No more brilliant throng had ever come together in that spacious Salle des Menus Plaisirs, and assuredly on no more momentous occasion.  As Mr. Calvert looked about him at the splendid scene, at the great semicircular hall, with its Ionic columns, at the balcony crowded with thousands of magnificently dressed courtiers and beautiful women, upon whose fair, painted faces and powdered hair the morning sun shone discreetly, its bright rays sifted through a silken awning covering the dome of the great room, at the throng of deputies sharply differentiated by positron and costume, at the empty throne set high above the tribune upon its dais of purple velvet strewn with the golden lilies of the Bourbons; as Mr. Calvert looked at all this—­especially as he looked at the empty throne—­a curious presentiment of the awful import of the occasion struck in upon him forcibly.  Mr. Jefferson, who sat beside him, seemed to read his thought.

“I think this is like to live as one of the most famous scenes in history,” he said.  “We three are fortunate to be here to see it.  Tis the birth-hour of a new nation, if I mistake not.  For the first time in two centuries the King meets the three orders of his subjects.  Who can foresee what will be the result?”

“I think it is safe to say that the King does not foresee the result, or there would be no meeting,” said Mr. Morris, dryly.

“As pessimistic as ever, my dear sir!” retorted Mr. Jefferson, somewhat testily.  “Ah, here comes Monsieur Necker.”

As the Minister of Finance made his way in, preceded by Monsieur de Breze, a loud cheer went up from every part of the hall.  Even the sombre mass of the tiers roused themselves to enthusiasm, which was redoubled when Monsieur le Duc d’Orleans made his appearance with the clerical deputy from Crepy-en-Valois, who, he insisted, should enter before him.

“Tis like His Highness,” whispered Mr. Morris to Calvert.  “He is as thirsty for popularity as Lafayette himself.”

Though he spoke in a low tone and in English, Madame de St. Andre overheard and understood him.

“You and Mr. Calvert seem to be in a conspiracy to malign His Royal Highness,” she said, turning around.