The mob is still everywhere outside, although…
October 1789 CE
The rank and file of both the Flanders Regiment and another regular unit present, the Montmorency Dragoons, now appear unwilling to act against the people.
Lafayette, who has earned the court's indebtedness, persuades the king to address the crowd.
When the two men step out on a balcony an unexpected cry goes up: "Vive le Roi!"
The relieved king briefly conveys his willingness to return to Paris, acceding "to the love of my good and faithful subjects".
As the crowd cheers, Lafayette stokes their joy by dramatically pinning a tricolor cockade to the hat of the king's nearest bodyguard.
After the king withdraws, the exultant crowd will not be denied the same accord from the queen, and her presence is demanded loudly.
Lafayette brings her to the same balcony, accompanied by her young son and daughter.
The crowd ominously shouts for the children to be taken away, and it seems the stage might be set for a regicide.
Yet, as the queen stands with her hands crossed over her chest, the crowd—some of whom have muskets leveled in her direction—warms to her courage.
Amid this unlikely development, Lafayette cannily lets the mob's fury drain away until, with dramatic timing and flair, he kneels reverently and kisses her hand.
The demonstrators respond with a muted respect, and many even raise a cheer which the queen had not heard for quite a long time: "Vive la Reine!"
The goodwill generated by this surprising turn of events defuses the situation, but to many observers the scene on the balcony is mere theatricality without long-term resonance.
However pleased it may be by the royal displays, the crowd insists that the king come back with them to Paris.