l with them. The National Guard from all sixteen sections stands prepared outside the H?tel de Ville, awaiting orders. Once the signal is given, they will rise up. Perhaps there is still a chance for a turn!"

However, Edith slowly shook her head, her gaze fixed ahead, her voice filled with sorrow and calmness. "No, there isn''t, Margot! I know it in my heart. There is no hope left. They will kill him. The revolution has come to an end!"

Outside the window, a few cruel-faced delegates on horseback passed by. The women heard these ruffians proclaim Andre and his companions as outlaws, to be executed without trial.

With great effort, they supported each other and made their way to a building across from the H?tel de Ville, where they gazed through the window and witnessed the people inside, seated around a long table, engaged in intense debates by the flickering candlelight.

The command for the uprising from the H?tel de Ville was delayed. Approaching the early hours of the morning, raindrops started to fall again, and the troops began to disperse.

Philippe followed Andre to the floor-to-ceiling window, standing tall with their heads held high, gazing at the rain outside. Gunshots and clamour resounded once more as the H?tel de Ville was breached, and the troops of the National Convention stormed up the stairs.

She saw the two figures by the window engaged in an agitated argument. Andre reached out to grasp his friend''s hand, and then she saw Philippe, with a resolute gaze, raise the pistol to his own temple. With a single gunsh