During this time Mounier and his deputation passed through the lines of the guard before the grating, were received with honour, and admitted to the court along with twelve women, of whom were Madeleine and Gabrielle. Five women were alone permitted to see the king. Madeleine thrust herself forward--Gabrielle remained behind, in the ante-chamber. She was weary, faint, and hungry. Madeleine had drawn her along with her against her wishes, and the poor girl had been frightened and miserable all day. She took the opportunity of sinking into a chair; and then, overcome by her weariness, her tears began to flow. M. d'Estaing happening to pass through the ante-room at the moment, saw that she was crying, and coming towards her said kindly, 'My child, you are weeping because you have not seen the king.' Then he took her by the hand and led her into the royal apartment, where were the king, his ministers, and the deputation. 'Why did you come to Versailles?' asked M. de Saint-Priest of Gabrielle. 'Sir,' she answered, 'I was forced into the troop;' and she looked reproachfully at Madeleine. 'We have come to Versailles,' said Madeleine, 'to inform the king that his good town of Paris wants him. We are afraid that some people will take him from this place and carry him to Metz, and we have come to bring him home with us.' 'They are hungry,' cried Mounier; 'the women clamour for bread.' 'But you should have asked bread of the municipality,' said Saint-Priest, addressing Madeleine. 'We went to the Hôtel de Ville,' she replied, 'and we found no one there.' The king, whose eye had rested on Gabrielle, saw that she was deadly pale. He asked her if she were ill. 'Sire,' she answered, 'I am tired and faint.' The king filled a goblet with wine, and took it to her and made her drink. She thanked him with a speaking look, and tasted it; but at the same moment every object swam before her eyes, and she fainted away. When she returned to herself, the king was stooping over her. He gave her smelling-salts, and sprinkled water on her brow. Madeleine fanned her and she recovered. Louis gave a written order for the immediate supply of food to Paris, and handed a copy to Madeleine, who rushed down the court, shouting 'Long live the king!' She held Gabrielle's arm in hers, and passed outside the railing, and between the soldiers to the crowd, to show them the order. Instantly it was discovered that the copy was not signed, and they were constrained to return to the king and request his signature.