General Dumouriez was also rising to power. He was rather a courtier than a soldier, although he was destined to win victories: especially amongst women, he was very successful. He attempted to obtain favor from Madame Roland herself; but that single-hearted lady, true to her ice-cold husband, put down the General’s pretensions with calm contempt. He, however, gained much attention from Marie Antoinette, as the man who, amongst those who had acquired the confidence of the people, was the most aristocratic, and who had, therefore, the most sympathy with the falling royal cause. The Queen was right. After gaining several battles for France against the Austrians, he turned his army upon Paris, intending to intimidate the Republicans. The army revolted, and Dumouriez himself had to take refuge in the camp of those very Austrians whom but a short time previously he had conquered. They would have nothing to do with him; and, finally, he fled to England, always open to the refugee, and there he died in obscurity. This general, therefore, helped to destroy the royal family. At his first interview with the King, he said, “Sire, I devote myself wholly to your service. But a minister of to-day is no longer the minister of yesterday. Without ceasing to be your Majesty’s devoted servant, I am the slave of the nation.” The Queen sent for him privately when he had become the idol of the people. “Sir,” said she, “you are all-powerful at this moment; but it is through popular favor, and that soon destroys its idols. I tell you I oppose the changes which are being made in the constitution, so beware!” “I am confounded,” the General replied; “but I am more the servant of my country than of your Majesty. Think of your safety, of the King’s, of that of your children! You are surrounded by enemies. If, in the King’s interests, you oppose the new constitution made by the Assembly you will endanger the royal family, and in no way prevent the course of events.” “Sir,” the Queen frantically replied, “this state of things cannot last for ever. Beware for _yourself_.” “Madame,” said Dumouriez, who _had_ accepted the post of Premier of the Ministry, and who, at this time, appears to have very faithfully served the nation—his great fault was his fickleness,—“madame, when I became Prime Minister, I knew that my responsibility was not my greatest danger.” The Queen shrank back. “Do you think me capable of having you assassinated?” Tears were upon the Queen’s face. “Far be such a fearful thought from me, your Majesty. Your soul is great and noble, and the bravery you have shown on many occasions has for ever made me your Majesty’s most devoted slave.” The Queen’s anger was appeased in a moment, and she placed her right hand upon the General’s arm in token of reconciliation.