[Footnote 221: "Occasionally loads of flour were seized and detained on their passage by the neighboring localities whose wants were pressing. Versailles and Paris shared together. But Versailles kept, so it was said, the finest part, and made a superior bread. This was a great cause of jealousy. One day, when the people of Versailles had been so imprudent as to turn aside for themselves a supply intended for the Parisians, Bailly, the honest and respectful Bailly, wrote to M. Necker that, if the flour were not restored, thirty thousand men would go and fetch it on the morrow. Fear made him bold. It often happened at midnight that he had but half the flour necessary for the morning market."--_Michelet_, p. 231.] [Footnote 222: Even the courtesans came forward with their contributions. The following letter was received by the National Assembly, accompanied by a purse of gold: "Gentlemen! I have a heart to love. I have amassed some property in loving. I place it in your hands, a homage to the country. May my example be imitated by my companions of all ranks."--_Hist. des Montagnards, par Alphonse Esquiros_, p. 21.] [Footnote 223: M. Rabaud de St. Etienne, vol. i., 89.] [Footnote 224: Alison.] CHAPTER XVII. THE ROYAL FAMILY CARRIED TO PARIS. Waning Popularity of La Fayette.--The King contemplates Flight.--Letter of Admiral d'Estaing.--The Flanders Regiment called to Versailles.--Fête in the Ball-room at Versailles.--Insurrection of the Women; their March to Versailles.--Horrors of the Night of October 5th.--The Royal Family conveyed to Paris. The press now began to assail Bailly and La Fayette as in league with the aristocrats. The Assembly at the Palais Royal was becoming paramount, a terrific power, threatening ruin to all who should advocate measures of moderation. The most violent harangues roused the populace, and it was evident that they could be easily turned by their leaders into any path of destruction. Threatening letters flooded the National Assembly, and one of great ferocity was signed by St. Huruge. Though he declared it a forgery, he was arrested and imprisoned. The municipal authority also forbade farther meetings in the Palais Royal, and La Fayette, with the National Guard, dispersed the gatherings.