The footsteps were incessant, and the hurry of them became more and more rapid. The corner echoed and re-echoed with the tread of feet; some, as it seemed, under the windows; some, as it seemed, in the room; some coming, some going, some breaking off, some stopping altogether; all in the distant streets, and not one within sight.
Think this represents the growth of the French Revolution and its' forces. The characters cannot see where the footsteps are coming from meaning they are powerless against the government. It could even represent the powers of the government and authority oppressing the characters.
