Page:Heroines of freethought (IA cu31924031228699).pdf/43

Rh those who really held the reins of power, Roland resigned in January, 1793. That resignation could not now save them. In May, Roland was arrested, and held a prisoner in his own house. His wife arose from a bed of sickness to demand his release at the bar of the Convention; waited vainly all day to get a hearing, and came home at night nearly discouraged; to be rejoiced by the tidings that he had made his escape. Her earnest wishes kept him in concealment after that against his own desire.

Knowing her danger, friends begged her to escape in disguise while there was yet time to save herself. But against this her Spartan soul revolted. “I am ashamed,” she said, ‘of the part you would have me play. I will neither disguise myself nor leave the house. If they wish to assassinate me, it shall be in my own home. This example is due from me, and I will afford it.” She was threatened in order to make her divulge the secret of her husband’s hid-