CHAPTERIV
THEDISCIPLESOFROUSSEAU
TheMarquisofBellecourwould，perhapshavephilosophisedlesscomplacentlyhadheknownthatthesecretarywasfarfromdead，andthatwhattheexecutionerhad，genuinelyenough，mistakenfordeathwasnomorethanapassingswoon。Underordinarycircumstanceshemightnothavebeensatisfiedtohavetakenthefellow’sword；hewouldhimselfhaveascertainedthetruthofthestatementbyacloseinspectionofthevictim。But，aswehaveseen，thenewscameassodesirableasolutiontothealtercationthatwaswaxing’twixthimselfandDesCadouxthathewasmorethangladtoavailhimselfofit。
ThediscoverythatCaronlivedwasmadewhiletheywerecuttinghimdownfromhispillory，andjustastheMarquiswasturningtogowithin。Aflutteroftheeyelidsandagaspforbreathannouncedthefact，andtheexecutionerwasonthepointofcryingouthisdiscoverywhenMademoiselle’seyesflashedhimaglanceofwarning，andhervoicewhisperedfeverishly：
\"Hush！TherearetenlouisforeachofyouifyoubutkeepsilentandcarryhimtoMasterDuhamelasItoldyou。\"
Thesecretaryopenedhiseyesbutsawnothing，andalowmoanescapedhim。Sheshotafearfulglanceattheretreatingfigureofherfather，whilstGilles—theexecutioner—hissedsharplyintohisear：
\"Millediables！bestill，man。Youaredead。\"
Thusdidheescape，andthuswasheborne—alimp，agonised，andbleedingmass，tothehouseofDuhamel。Theoldschoolmasterreceivedthemwithtearsinhiseyes—norweretheyaltogethertearsofsorrow，forallthatpoorCaron’smangledconditiongrievedhimsorely；theywereinameasuretearsofthankfulness；forDuhamelhadnotdaredhopetoseetheyoungmanaliveagain。
Atthepedagogue’sdoorstoodaberline，andwithinhishousetherewasavisitor。Thiswasaslightyoungmanofmediumstature，whohadnottheappearanceofmorethantwenty—fiveyearsofage，forallthat，asamatteroffact，hewasjustoverthirty。Hewasdressedwithsoscrupulousaneatnessastoconvey，inspiteofthedarkcolourofhisgarments，animpressionalmostoffoppishness。
Therewasanamplitudeabouthiscravat，anairofextremecareaboutthedressingofhiswigandthepowderingofit，andashiningbrightnessabouthisbuttonsandthebucklesofhisshoeswhichseemedtoproclaimthedandy，justasthesombrenessofthecolourchosenseemedtodenyit。Inhissingularlypalecountenanceasimilarcontradictionwasobservable。Theweak，kindlyeyesalmostappearedtogivethelietotheastuteprominenceofhischeekbones；
thesensitivenessofthemouthseemedneutralisedbythethinnessofthelips，whilsttheoddlytip—tiltednosemadeamockoftheausterityofthebrow。
Hewasperfectlyateaseinhissurroundings，andasLaBoulayewascarriedintotheschoolmaster’sstudyandlaidonacouch，hecameforwardandpeeredcuriouslyatthesecretary’sfigure，voicinganinquiryconcerninghim。
\"ItistheyoungmanofwhomIwastellingyou，Maximilien，\"answeredDuhamel。\"IgivethankstoGodthattheyhavenotkilledhimoutright。ItisamercyIhadnotexpectedfromthosewolves，andonewhich，onmysoul，Icannotunderstand。\"
\"Monsieur，\"saidGilles，\"willunderstanditbetterperhapsifI
tellyouthattheMarquisbelieveshimtobedead。Hewascutdownfordead，andwhenwediscoveredthathestillliveditwasMademoisellewhoprevaileduponustosavehim。Sheispayingustokeepthesecret，butnotafortunewouldtemptmeifIthoughttheSeigneurwereeverlikelytohearofit。HemustbegotawayfromBellecour；indeed，hemustbegotoutofPicardyatonce，Monsieur。AndyoumustpromisemethatthisshallbedoneorwewillcarryhimbacktotheChateauandtelltheMarquisthathehassuddenlyrevived。Imustinsist，Monsieur；forifeveritshouldtranspirethathewasnotdeadtheSeigneurwouldhangus。\"
Thestranger’sweakeyesseemedtokindleinanger，andhislipscurleduntiltheyexaggeratedthealreadypreposteroustiltofhisnose。
\"Hewouldhangyou，eh？\"saidhe。\"Mafoi，Duhamel，weshallchangeallthisverysoon，Ipromiseyou。\"
\"Godknowsitneedschanging，\"growledDuhamel。\"ItseemsthatitwasonlyintheOldTestamentthatHeaveninterferedwithhumaniniquity。WhyitdoesnotrainfireandbrimstoneontheChateaudeBellecourpassestheunderstandingofagoodChristian。I’llswearthatinneitherSodomnorGomorrahwasvillainymorerampant。
ThestrangerpluckedathissleevetoremindhimofthepresenceoftheservantsfromtheChateau。Duhamelturnedtothem。
\"Iwillkeephimconcealedhereuntilheisabletogetabout，\"
heassuredthem。\"ThenIshallfindhimthemeanstoleavetheprovince。\"
ButGillesshookhishead，andhiscompaniongruntedanechoofhisdisapproval。
\"Thatwillnotserve，master，\"heansweredsullenly。\"WhatiftheSeigneurshouldhavewordofhispresencehere？Itisover—dangerous。
Someonemayseehim。No，no，EitherheleavesBellecourthisverynight，andyouswearthatheshall，orelsewecarryhimbacktotheChateau。\"
\"ButhowcanIswearthis？\"criedDuhamelimpatiently。
\"Why，easilyenough，\"putinthestranger。\"Letmetakehiminmyberline。IcanleavehimatAmiensoratBeauvais，oranyoneoftheconvenientplacesthatIpass。OrIcanevencarryhimontoPariswithme。\"
\"Youareverygood，Maximilien，\"answeredtheoldman，towhichtheotherreturnedagestureofdeprecation。
Inthisfashion，then，wasthemattersettledtothesatisfactionoftheSeigneur’sretainers，anduponhavingreceivedDuhamel’ssolemnpromisethatCaronshouldbecarriedoutofBellecour，and，forthatmatter，outofPicardy，beforethenightwasspent，theywithdrew。
Withintheschoolmaster’sstudyhewhomDuhamelcalledMaximilienstrodetoandfro，hishandsclaspedbehindhisback，hisheadbent，hischinthrustforward，denouncingtheseigneurialsystem，ofwhoseatrocityhehadreceivedthateveninginstancesenough—forhehadheardthewholestoryofLaBoulaye’srebellionagainstthepowerofBellecourandthecausesthathadledtoit。
\"Wewillmendallthis，Ipromiseyou，Duhamel，\"hewasrepeating。
\"Butnotuntilwehaveunitedtoshieldtheweakfromoppression，torestrainthearrogantandtosecuretoeachthepossessionofwhatbelongstohim；notuntilallmenarefreeandstarteduponequaltermsintheraceoflife；notuntilweshallhavesetuprulesofjusticeandofpeace，towhichall—richandpoor，nobleandsimplealike—shallbeobligedtoconform。Thusonlycanwerepairtheevildonebythecapriceoffortune，whichcausestheonetobebornintosilkandtheotherintofustian。Wemustsubjecttheweakandthemightyaliketomutualduties，collectingourforcesintothesupremepowertogovernusallimpartiallybythesamelaws，toprotectalikeallmembersofthecommunity，torepelourcommonfoesandpreserveusinnever—endingconcord。Howmanycrimes，murders，wars，miseries，horrorsshallthusbesparedus，Duhamel？Anditwillcome；itwillcomesoon，neverfear。\"
CaronstirredonthecouchwhereDuhamelwastendinghim，andraisedhisheadtoglanceatthemanwhowasvoicingthedoctrinesthatforyearshaddweltinhisheart。
\"DearJeanJacques，\"hemurmured。
Thestrangerturnedsharplyandsteppedtotheyoungman’sside。
\"Youhavereadthemaster？\"heinquired，withasudden，new—borninterestinthesecretary。
\"Readhim？\"criedCaromforgettingforthemomentthesoreconditionofhisbodyinthedelightofdiscoveringonewhowasboundtohimbysuchbondsofsympathyasoldRousseauestablished。
\"Readhim，Monsieur？Thereisscarcealineinallhis’Discourses’
thatIdonotknowbyheart，andthatIdonottreasure，vaguelyhopingandprayingthatsomedaysuchastateashedreamtofmayfinditselfestablished，andmaysweepasidethesecorrupt，tyrannicalconditions。\"
Maximilien’seyeskindled。
\"Boy，\"heansweredimpressively，\"Yourhopesareontheeveoffruition，yourprayersareabouttobeheard。Yes—eventhoughitshouldentailtramplingtheLiliesofFranceintotheverydust。
\"Whoareyou，Monsieur？\"askedLaBoulaye，eyeingthisprophetwithgrowinginterest。
\"Robespierreismyname，\"wastheanswer，andtoLaBoulayeitconveyednoenlightenment，forthenameofMaximilienMarieIsidoredeRobespierre，whichwithinsoveryshortatimewastomeansomuchinFrance，asyetmeantnothing。
LaBoulayeinclinedhisheadasifacknowledginganintroduction，thenturnedhisattentiontoDuhamelwhowasofferinghimacupofwine。Hedrankgratefully，andtheinvigoratingeffectswerealmostinstantaneous。
\"Nowletusseetoyourhurts，\"saidtheschoolmaster，whohadtakensomelinenandapotofunguentsfromacupboard。LaBoulayesatup，andwhattimeDuhamelwasbusydressinghislaceratedback，theyoungmantalkedwithRobespierre。
\"YouaregoingtoParis，yousay，Monsieur？\"
\"Yes，totheStates—General，\"answeredMaximilien。
\"Asadeputy？\"inquiredCaron，withever—heighteninginterest。
\"Asadeputy，Monsieur。MyfriendsofArrashaveelectedmetotheThirdEstateofArtois。\"
\"Dieu！HowIenvyyou！\"exclaimedLaBoulaye，tocryoutamomentlaterinthepaintowhichDuhamel’swell—intentionedoperationsweresubjectinghim。\"Iwoulditmightbemine，\"headdedpresently，\"totakeahandinlegislation，andthemendingofit；forasitstandsatpresentitisinferiorfartothelawlessanarchyoftheaborigines。Amongthem，atleast，theconditionsaremorenormal，theyofferbetterbalancebetweenfacultyandexecution；theyarebyfarmorepropitioustohappinessandorderthanisthisbrokenwreckofcivilisationthatwecallFrance。Itistoequalityalone，\"
hecontinued，warmingtohissubject，\"thatNaturehasattachedthepreservationofoursocialfaculties，andalllegislationthataimsatbeingefficientshouldbedirectedtotheestablishmentofequality。Asitis，therichwillalwaysprefertheirownfortunetothatoftheState，whilstthepoorwillneverlove—norcanlove—aconditionoflawsthatleavestheminmisery。\"
Robespierreeyedtheyoungmaninsomesurprise。Hisdeliverywasimpassioned，andalthoughinwhathesaidtherewasperhapsnothingthatwasfreshtothelawyerofArras，yetthemannerinwhichhesaiditwasimpressivetoadegree。
\"ButDuhamel，\"hecriedtotheschoolmaster，\"youdidnottellmethisyoungpatriotwasanorator。\"
\"NoramI，Monsieur，\"smiledLaBoulaye。\"IambutthemouthpieceofthegreatRousseau。Ihavesoassimilatedhisthoughtsthattheycomefrommeasspontaneouslyasiftheyweremyown，andoftenIgosofarastodeludemyselfintobelievingthattheyare。\"
NobetterrecommendationthanthiscouldhehavehadtotheattentionofRobespierre，whowashimselfmuchinthesamecase，imbuedwithandinspiredbythosedoctrines，soidealintheory，but，alas！sodifficult，soimpossibleinpractice。Forfullyanhourtheysatandtalked，andeachimprovedinhislikingoftheother，untilatlast，bethinkinghimoftheflightoftime，Robespierreannouncedthathemuststart。
\"YouwilltakehimtoPariswithyou，Maximilien？\"quoththeoldpedagogue。
\"Mafoi，yes；andifwithsuchgiftsasNatureappearstohavegivenhim，andsuchcultivationofthemas，throughtheteachingsofRousseau，hehaseffected，Idonotmakesomethingofhim，why，then，IamunworthyoftheconfidencemygoodfriendsofArrasreposeinme。\"
Theymadetheiradieux，andtheschoolmaster，openinghisdoor，peeredout。ThestreetwasdesertedsaveforteRobespierre’sberlineandhisimpatientpostillion。BetweenthemDuhamelandMaximilienassistedCarontothedoorofthecarriage。Themovingsubjectedhimtoanexcruciatingagony，buthecaughthisnetherlipinhisteeth，andneverallowedthemtosuspectit。Astheyraisedhimintotheberline，however，hetoppledforward，fainting。
Duhamelhastenedindoorsforacordial，andbroughtalsosomepillowswithwhichtopromotetheyoungman’scomfortonthejourneythatwasbeforehim—or，rather，tolessenthediscomfortwhichthejoltingwaslikelytooccasionhim。
Caronrecoveredbeforetheystarted，andwithtearsinhiseyeshethankedoldDuhamelandvoicedahopethattheymightmeetagainerelong。
ThenRobespierrejumpednimblyintotheberline。Thedoorclosed，thepostillion’swhipcrackedbriskly，andtheysetoutuponajourneywhichtoLaBoulayewastobeasthepassingfromonelifetoanother。
PARTII
THENEWRULE
Allons！Marchons！
Qu’unsangimpurAbreuvenossillons！
LaMarseillaise。
CHAPTERV
THESHEEPTURNEDWOLVES
Therewereroarsofangerandscreamsofterrorinthenight，andabovetheChateaudeBellecourtheinkyblacknessoftheheavenswasbrokenbyadullredglow，whichthedistantwayfarermighthavemistakenfortheroseatetintofdawn，wereitpossibleforthedawntorestrictitselftosonarrowanarea。
Everandanonatongueofflamewouldlickupintothenighttowardsthatrussetpatchofsky，betrayingthecauseofitandproclaimingthatincendiarieswereatwork。Abovetheominousdinthattoldofthebusinessafoottherecamenowandagainthecrackofamusket，anddominatingallothersoundswasthesullenroaroftherevoltedpeasants，therisenserfs，therebelliousvassalsoftheSiegneurdeBellecour。
Fortimehasspedandhasmuchalteredinthespeeding。FouryearshavegonebysincethenightonwhichthelaceratedCaronlaBoulayewassmuggledoutofBellecourinRobespierre’sberlineandinthatfouryearsmuchofthethingsthatwereprophesiedhavecometopass—aye，andmuchmorebesidesthatwasundreamtofattheoutsetbytherevolutionaries。AgruesomeenginethattheyfacetiouslycalledtheNationalRazor—inventedanddesignedsomeyearsagobyoneDr。
Guillotin—isbutaniteminthechangesthathavebeen，yetanitemthatinitswayhasbecomeaveryfactor。Itstandsnotover—high，yettheshadowofithasfallenathwartthewholelengthandbreadthofFrance，andinthatshadowthetyrantshavetrembled，shakentotheverysoulsofthembytherudehandoffear；inthatshadowthespurnedanddowntroddenchildrenofthesoilhavetakenheartofgrace。Thebondsofservilecowardicethatforcenturieshadtrammelledthemhavebeenshakenofflikecobwebs，andtheythatwereassheeparenowbecomethewolvesthatpreyonthosethatpreyedonthemforgenerations。
Thereis，inthewholeofFrance，nocornersoremotebutthat，soonerorlater，thisgreatupheavalhaspenetratedtoit。
LouisXVI。—orLouisCapet，asheisnowmoregenerallyspokenof—hasbeenarraigned，condemnedandexecuted。Thearistocratsareinfullemigratoryflightacrossthefrontiers—thosethathavenotbeenrentbythevassalstheyhadbroughttobay，thepeopletheyhadoutraged。TheLiliesofFrancelietrampledunderfootintheshamblestheyhavemadeofthatfairland，whilstoverheadthetricolour—thatsymbolofthenewtrinity，Liberty，Equality，Fraternity—isflauntedinthebreeze。
Afewofthemoreproudandobstinate—soproudandobstinateastofinditathingincrediblethattheordershouldindeedchangeandtheoldregimepassaway—stillremain，andbytheirvainendeavourstolorditintheircastlesprovokesuchscenesasthatenactedatBellecourinFebruaryof’93（bythestyleofslaves）
orPluvioseoftheyearOneoftheFrenchRepublic，asitshallpresentlycometobeknownintheannalsoftheRevolution。
Bellecour，themostarrogantofarrogants，hadstoodfirm，anddesperatelycontrivedthroughallthesemonthsofrevolutiontomaintainhisdominioninhiscornerofPicardy。Butevenhewasbeginningtorealisethattheendwasathand，andhemadehispreparationstoemigrate。Tooproud，however，topermithisemigrationtosavourofaflight，hecarriedtheleisurelinessofhisgoingtodangerousextremes。Andnow，ontheeveofdeparture，hemustneedspausetogiveafeteatonceoffarewellandinhonourofhisdaughter’sbetrothaltotheVicomteAnatoled’Ombreval。ThisverybetrothalatsounpropitiousaseasonwaspartlynomorethancontrivedbytheMarquisthathemightmarkhisignoringandhisserenecontemptoftheupheavalandthenewrulewhichithadbrought。
AllthatwasleftofthenoblesseinPicardyhadflockedthatdaytotheChateaudeBellecour，andthecompanythereassemblednumberedperhapssomethirtygallantsandsometwentyladies。A
banquettherehadbeen，whichinthemainwasagloomyfunction，fortheKing’sdeathwastoorecentamattertobeutterlylostsightof。Later，however，asthegeneroussupplyofwinediditsworkandsofarthawedtheiceofapprehensionthatboundtheirsoulsastodisposethemtoenjoy，atleast，thepresenthourinforgetfulness，therewasabetterhumourintheair。Thisdeveloped，andsofarindeeddiditgothatintheeveningaPavanewassuggested，and，themusiciansbeingfound，itwasheldinthegreatsalonoftheChateau。
Itwasthenthatthefirstalarmhadpenetratedtotheirmidst。Ithadfoundthemarecklesslymerrycrew，goodtobeholdintheirsilksandsatins，powderandpatches，goldlaceandredheels，movingwithwavingfans，orhandonsword，andlacedbeaverunderelbow，throughthestatelyfiguresofthegavotte。
Scared，white—facedlackeyshadbroughtthenews，dashingwildlyinuponthatcourtlyassembly。ThepeasantshadrisenandweremarchingonBellecour。
SomeofhissuddenragetheMarquisventedbystrikingtheservants’
spokesmanintheface。
\"Dareyoubringmesuchamessage？\"hecriedfuriously。
\"But，mylord，whatarewetodo？\"gaspedthefrightenedlackey。
\"Do，fool？\"returnedBellecour。\"Why，closethegatesandbidthemreturnhomeastheyvaluetheirlives。ForiftheygivemetroubleI’llhangarounddozenofthem。\"
Stillwastherethatsamebigtalkofhangingmen。StilldiditseemthattheMarquisofBellecouraccountedhimselfthesamelordoflifeanddeaththatheandhisforbearshadbeenforgenerations。
Buttherewereotherswhothoughtdifferently。Themusichadceasedabruptly，andalittleknotofgentlemennowgatheredaboutthehost，andurgedhimtotakesomemeasuresofprecaution。Inparticulartheydesiredtoensurethesafetyoftheladieswhowerebeingthrownintoagreatstateofalarm，sothatofsomeofthesewerethescreamsthatwereheardinthatnightofterror。Bellecour’stemperwasfastgaining，andashelostcontrolofhimselftheinherentbrutalityofhischaractercameuppermost。
\"Mesdames，\"hecriedrudely，\"thisscreechingwillprofitusnothing。
Evenifwemustdie，letusdiebecomingly，notshriekinglikebutcheredgeese。\"
Adozenmenraisedtheirvoicesangrilyagainsthimindefenceofthewomenhehadslighted。Buthewavedthemimpatientlyaway。
\"Isthisanhourinwhichtofalla—quarrellingamongourselves？\"
heexclaimed。\"Ordoyouthinkitoneinwhichamancanstoptochoosehiswords？Sang—dieu！Thatscreamingisamoreseriousmatterthanatfirstmayseem。Iftheserebelliousdogsshouldchancetohearit，itwillbebutsomuchencouragementtothem。
Afearlessfront，acoldcontempt，areweaponsunrivalledifyouwouldprevailagainstthesemutinouscravens。\"
Buthisguestswereinsistentthatsomethingmorethanfearlessfrontsandcoldcontemptsshouldbesetupasbarriersbetweenthemselvesandtheadvancingpeasantry。AndintheendBellecourimpatientlyquittedtheroomtogiveordersforthebarricadingofthegatesandthedefendingoftheChateau，leavingbehindhiminthesalontheverywildestofconfusions。
>Fromthewindowsthepeasantrycouldnowbeseen，bythelightoftheirtorches，marchingupthelongavenuethatfrontedtheChateau，andheadedbyasingledrumonwhichthebearerdidnomorethanbeatthestep。Theywereafierce，unkemptband，rudelyarmed—
somewithscythes，somewithsickles，somewithhedge—knives，andsomewithhangers；whilsthereandtherewasonewhocarriedagun，andperhapsabayonetaswell。Norweretheremenonlyintherebelliousranks。Therewereanalmostequalnumberofwomenincrimsoncaps，theirbosomsbare，theirheadsdishevelled，theirgarmentsfilthyandinrags—forthetoothofpovertyhadbittendeeplyintothemduringthepastmonths。
Astheyswungalongtotherhythmicalthudofthedrum，theirvoiceswereraisedinafearfulchorusthatmusthavemadeonethinkofthechoirsofhell，andthesongtheysangwasthesongofRougetdel’Isle，whichallFrancehadbeensingingthesetwelvemonthspast：
\"Auxarmes，citovens！
Formezvosbataillons。
Allons，marchons！
Qu’unsanginpurAbreuvenossillons！\"
Everswellingastheydrewnearercamethesoundofthatterriblehymntotheearsoftheelegant，bejewelled，bepowderedcompanyintheChateau。Thegateswerereachedandfoundbarred。AnangryroarwentuptoHeaven，followedbyahailofblowsuponthestout，ironboundoak，andanimperiouscalltoopen。
InthecourtyardbelowtheMarquishadpostedthehandfulofservantsthatremainedfaithful—forreasonsthatHeavenalonemaydiscern—
tothefortunesofthehouse。Hehadarmedthemwithcarbinesandsuppliedthemwithammunition。Hehadleftthemorderstoholdoffthemobfromtheoutergatesaslongaspossible；butshouldthesebecarried，theyweretofallbackintotheChateauitself，andmakefastthedoors。Meanwhile，hewasharanguingthegentlemen—somethirtyofthem，aswehaveseen—inthesalonandurgingthemtoarmthemselvessothattheymightrenderassistance。
Hisinstancesweremetwithacertaincoldness，whichatlastwasgivenexpressionbythemostelegantVicomted’Ombreval—themanwhowasabouttobecomehisson—in—law。
\"MydearMarquis，\"protestedtheyoungman，hishabituallysuperciliousmouthlookingevenmoresuperciliousthanusualashenowspoke，\"Ibegthatyouwillconsiderwhatyouareproposing。Weareyourguests，weothers，andyouaskustodefendyourgatesagainstyourownpeopleforyou！Surely，surely，sir，yourfirstdutyshouldhavebeentohaveensuredoursafetyagainstsuchmutiniesonthepartoftherabbleofBellecour。\"
TheSeigneurangrilystampedhisfoot。InhischolerhewaswithinanaceofstrikingOmbreval，andmighthavedonesohadnotthebroad—mindedandever—reasonableoldDesCadouxinterposedatthatmomenttomakecleartotheMarquis’sguestsasituationthanwhichnothingcouldhavebeenclearer。Heputittothemthatthetimeswerechanged，andthatFrancewasnolongerwhatFrancehadbeen；
thatallowancesmustbemadeforM。deBellecour，whowasinnobettercasethananyothergentlemaninthatunhappycountry！andfinally，thateithertheymustlooktoarminganddefendingthemselvesortheymustsaytheirprayersandsubmittobeingbutcheredwiththeladies。
\"Forourselves，\"heconcludedcalmly，tappinghisgoldsnuffboxandholdingitouttoBellecour，foralltheworldwiththeairofonewhowasdiscussingthelatestfashioninwigs，\"Icanunderstandyourrepugnanceatcomingtoblowswiththisobscenecanaille。Itisdoingthemanhonourofwhichtheyarenotworthy。Butwehavetheseladiestothinkof，Messieurs，and—\"hepausedtoapplytherappeetohisnostrils—\"andwemustexertourselvestosavethem，howeverdisagreeablethecoursewemaybecompelledtopursue。
Messieurs，Iamtheoldesthere；permitthatIshowyoutheway。\"
Hiswordswerenotwithouteffect；theykindledchivalryinheartsthat，afterall，werenothingifnotpronetochivalry—accordingtotheirownlights—andpresentlysomethingverynearenthusiasmprevailed。ButthesuperciliousandverynobleOmbrevalstillgrumbled。
\"Toaskmetofightthisscum！\"heejaculatedinhorror\"Pardi！Itistoomuch。Askmetobeatthemoffwithawhiplikeapackofcurs，andI’lldoitreadily。Butfightthem—！\"
\"Nothingcoulddelightusmore，Vicomte，thantoseeyoubeatthemoffwithawhip，\"DesCadouxassuredhim。\"Armyourselfwithawhip，byallmeans，myfriend，andletuswitnesstheprodigiesyoucanperformwithit。\"
\"SeewhatvalourinflamestheVicomte，Suzanne，\"sneeredahandsomewomanintoMademoiselle’sear。Withwhatalacrityhefliestoarmsthathemaydefendyou，evenwithhislife。\"
\"M。d’Ombrevalisbehavingaccordingtohislights，\"answeredSuzannecoldly。
\"Mafoi，thenhislightsareunspeakablydim，\"wasthecontemptuousanswer。
Mademoisellegavenooutwardsignofthedeepwoundherpridewasreceiving。Thegirlofnineteen，whohadscornedtheyoungsecretary—loverintheparkofBellecourthatmorningfouryearsago，wasdevelopedintoahandsomeladyofthree—and—twenty。
\"Itwouldbebeneaththedignityofhisstationtosoilhishandsinsuchaconflictasmyfatherhassuggested，\"shesaidatlast。
\"Iwonderwoulditbebeneaththedignityofhiscourage，\"musedthesamecausticfriend。\"Butsurelynot，fornothingcouldbebeneaththat。\"
\"Madame！\"exclaimedSuzanne，hercheeksreddening；forasofold，andlikeherfather，shewasquicklymovedtoanger。\"WillitpleaseyoutorememberthatM。d’Ombrevalismyaffiancedhusband？\"
\"True，\"confessedthelady，nowhitabashed。\"ButhadInotbeentoldsoIhadaccountedhimyourrejectedsuitor，who，broken—hearted，givesnothoughteithertohisownlifeortoyours。\"
Inapet，Mademoisellegavehershouldertothespeakerandturnedaway。Inspiteofthewordswithwhichshehaddefendedhim，Suzannewasdisappointedinherbetrothed，andyet，inaway，sheunderstoodhisbearingtobethenaturalfruitofthatindomitableprideofwhichshehadobservedtheoutwardsigns，andforwhich，indeedasmuchasforthebeautyofhisperson，shehadconsentedtobecomehiswife。Afterall，itwastheoutwardmansheknew。Themarriagehadbeenarranged，andthiswasbuttheirthirdmeeting，whilstneverforaninstanthadtheybeenalonetogether。ByhermothershehadbeeneducateduptotheideathatitwaseminentlydesirablesheshouldbecometheVicomtessed’Ombreval。AtfirstshehadendureddismayatthefactthatshehadneverbeheldtheVicomte，andbecausesheimaginedthathewouldbe，mostprobably，someelderlyroue，asdidsooftenfalltothelotofmaidensinherstation。Butuponfindinghimsoveryhandsometobehold，soverynobleofbearing，soloftyanddisdainfulthatashewalkedheseemedtospurntheveryearth，shefellenamouredofhimoutofveryrelief，aswellasbecausehewasthemostsuperbspecimenoftheothersexthatithadeverbeenherstoobserve。
Andnowthatshehadcaughtaglimpseofthesoulthatdweltbeneaththatmassofoutwardperfectionsithadcostherapangofdisappointment，andthepoisonousreflectioncastuponhiscouragebythatsardonicladywithwhomshehadtalkedwashavingitseffect。
Butthetimewastoofullofothertroubletopermithertoindulgeherthoughtsoverlonguponsuchamatter。Avolleyofmusketryfrombelowcametowarnthemofthehappeningsthere。Theairwaschargedwiththehideoushowlsofthebesiegingmob，andpresentlytherewasacryfromoneoftheladies，asasuddenglareoflightcrimsonedthewindow—panes。
\"Whatisthat？\"askedMadamedeBellecourofherhusband。
\"Theyhavefiredthestables，\"heanswered，throughsetteeth。\"I
supposetheyneedlighttoguidethemintheirhell’swork。\"
HestrodetotheglassdoorsopeningtothebalconythesamebalconyfromwhichfouryearsagohisguestshadwatchedthefloggingofLaBoulaye—and，openingthem，hepassedout。Hisappearancewasgreetedbyastormofexecration。Asuddenshotrangout，andthebullet，strikingthewallimmediatelyabovehim，broughtdownashowerofplasteronhishead。IthadbeenfiredbyademoniacwhosatastridethegreatgateswavinghisdischargedcarbineandyellingsuchorduresofspeechasithadneverbeenthemostnobleMarquis’slottohavestoodlisteningto。Bellecourneverflinched。Ascalmlyasifnothinghadhappened，heleantovertheparapetandcalledtohismenbelow\"Hold，there！Ofwhatareyoudreamingslumberers。Shootmethatfellowdown。\"
Theirgunshadbeendischarged，butoneofthem，whohadnowcompletedhisreloading，levelledthecarbineandfired。Thefigureonthegatesseemedtoleapupfromhissittingposture，andthenwithascreamhewentover，backtohisfriendswithout。
Thefiredstableswereburninggailybynow，andthecheeriestbonfiremancouldhavedesiredonadarknight，andinthecourtyarditwasbecomeaslightasday。
TheMarquisonthebalconywastakingstockofhisdefencesandmakingrapidcalculationsinhismind。Hesawnoreasonwhy，sowellprotectedbythosestoutoakengatestheyshouldnot—iftheywerebutresolute—eventuallybeatbackthemob。Andthen，evenashiscouragewasrisingatthethought，adeafeningexplosionseemedtoshaketheentireChateau，andthegates—theirsolebuckler，uponwhoseshelterhehadbeensoconfidentlybuilding—crashedopen，halfblownawaybythegunpowderkegthathadbeenfiredagainstit。
Hehadafleetingglimpseofastreamofblackfiendspouringthroughthedarkgapanddashingwithdeafeningyellsintothecrimsonlightofthecourtyard。HesawhislittlehandfulofservantsretreatprecipitatelywithintheChateau。Heheardtheclangofthedoorsthatwereswungtojustastheforemostoftherabblereachedthethreshold—Withallthisclearlystampeduponhismind，heturned，andspringingintothesalonhedrewhissword。
\"Tothestairs，Messieurs！\"hecried\"Tothestairs！\"
Andtothestairstheywent。Theextremitywasnowtoogreatforargument。Theydarednotsomuchaslookattheirwomen—folk，lesttheyshouldbeunmannedbythesightofthosehuddledcreatures—
theirfinerybutservingtorenderthemthemorepitiableintheirsicklyaffright。Inabodythewholethirtyofthemsweptfromtheroom，andwithBellecourattheirheadandOmbrevalsomewhereintherearmostrank，theymadetheirwaytothegreatstaircase。
Here，armedwiththeirswordsandabraceofpistolstoeachman，whilstforafewtheMarquishadevenfoundcarbines，theywaited，withfacessetandlipstightpressedfortheendthattheyknewapproached。
Norwastheirwaitinglong。AsthepeasantshadblowndownthegatessonowdidtheyblowdownthedoorsoftheChateau，andintheexplosionthreeofBellecour’sservants—whohadstoodtoonear—
werekilled。Overthethresholdtheyswarmedintothedarkgulfofthegreathalltothefootofthestaircase。Butheretheywereatadisadvantage。Thelightoftheburningstables，shiningthroughtheopendoorway，revealedthemtothedefenders，whilsttheythemselveslookedupintothedark。Therewasasuddencrackingofpistolsandafewlouderreportsfromtheguns，andthemobfled，screaming，backintotheyard，leavingascoreofdeadandwoundedonthepolishedfloorofthehall。
OldM。desCadouxlaughedinthedark，aswithhisswordhangingromhiswristhetappedhissnuff—box。
\"Mafoi，\"saidhetohisneighbour，\"theyarediscoveringthatitisnottobethetriumphalmarchtheyhadexpected。Apinchofrappee，Stanislas？\"
Buttherespitewasbrief。Inamomenttheysawtheglareincreaseatthedoor，andpresentlyahalf—dozenoftherabbleenteredwithtorches，followedbysomescoresoftheircomrades。Theypausedatsightofthatcompanyrangeduponthestairs，aswelltheymight，foramoreincongruoussightcouldscarcelybeimagined。Acrossthebodiesoftheslain，andrevealedbytheliftingpowdersmoke，stoodthatlittlebandofthirtymen，ablazeofgaycolours，asheenofsilkenhose，theirwigscurledandpowdered，theircostlyrufflesscintillantwithjewels；calm，andsupercilious，mockingtoaman。
Therewasamomentarygaspofawe，andthenthespellwasbrokenbythearistocratsthemselves。Apistolspoke，andavolleyfollowed。
Inthehallsomestumbledforward，somehurtledbackward，andsomesankdowninnervelessheaps。Butthosethatremaineddidnotagainretreat。Reinforcedbyothers，thatcrowdedinbehind，theychargedboldlyupthestairs，headedbyaragged，redcappedgiantnamedSouvestre—amanwhomtheMarquishadonceirreparablywronged。
ThesightofhimwasarevelationtoBellecour。ThisassaultwasSouvestre’swork；thefellowhadbeenincitingthepeopleofBellecourforthepasttwelvemonths，longindeedbeforetheoutbreakoftherevolutionproper，andatlasthehadrousedthemtothepitchofaccompanyinghimuponhiserrandoftardybutrelentlessvengeance。
WithagrowltheMarquisraisedhispistol。ButSouvestresawthemovement，andwithalaughhedidthelike。Simultaneouslythereweretworeports，andBellecour’sarmfellshatteredtohisside。
Souvestrecontinuedtoadvance，hissmokingpistolinonehandandbrandishingahugesabrewiththeother。Behindhim，howlingandroaringlikethebeastsofpreytheywerebecome，surgedthetenantryofBellecourtopaythelong—standingdebtofhatetotheirseigneur。
\"Here，\"saidDesCadoux，withagrimace，\"endeththechapterofourlives。Iwonder，dotheykeeprappeeinheaven？\"Hesnappeddownthelidofhisgoldsnuffbox—thatfaithfulcompanionandconsolerofsomanyyears—andcastitviciouslyattheheadofoneoftheoncomingpeasants。Thentossingbackthelacefromhiswristhebroughthisswordintoguardandturnedasideamurderousstrokewhichanassailantaimedathim。
\"Animal，\"hesnappedviciously，ashesettowork，\"itisthefirsttimethatmychastebladehasbeencrossedwithsuchdirtysteelasyours。Ihope，forthehonourofCadoux，thatitmaynotbequitethelast。\"
Up，andeverup，sweptthatmurderoustide。Thehalfofthosethathadheldthestairslaywelteringuponthemasifinalastattempttobarricadewiththeirbodieswhattheycouldnolongerdefendwiththeirhands。Abarehalf—scoreremainedstanding，andamongstthesethatgallantoldCadoux，whohadbynowaccountedfora，half—dozensans—culottes，andwashenceinhighglee，amanrejuvenesced。Hissalliesgrewlivelierandmorebarbedasthedeath—tiderosehigherabouthim。Hisoneregretwasthathehadbeensohastyincastinghissnuffboxfromhim，forhewasmissingitsfamiliarstimulus。
AthissidetheMarquiswasfightingdesperately，fencingwithhisleftarm，andinthehotexcitementseemingobliviousofthepainhisbrokenrightmustbeoccasioning。
\"Itisended，oldfriend，\"hegroanedatlast，toDesCadoux。\"I
amlosingstrength，andIshallbedoneforinamoment。Thewomen，\"
healmostsobbed，\"monDieu，thewomen！\"
DesCadouxfelthisoldeyesgrowmoist，andtheodd，fiercemirththatseemedtohavehithertoinfectedhimwentoutlikeacandlethatissnuffed。Butsuddenlybeforehecouldmakeanyanswer，anewandunexpectedsound，whichdominatedthedinofcombat，andseemedtocauseall—assailantsanddefendersalike—topausethattheymightlisten，waswaftedtotheirears。
Itwastherollofthedrum。Notthemerethuddingthathadbeatenthestepforthemob，butthesteadyandvigoroustattooofmanysticksuponmanyskins。
\"Whatisit？Whocomes？\"werethequestionsthatmenaskedoneanother，asbotharistocratsandsansculottespausedintheirbloodylabours。Itwascloseathand。Socloseathandthattheycoulddiscernthetrampofmarchingfeet。Intheinfernaldinofthatfightuponthestairstheyhadnotcaughtthesoundofthisapproachuntilnowthatthenew—comers—whoevertheymightbe—wereattheverygatesofBellecour。
>Fromthemobintheyardtherecameasuddenoutcry。MensprangtothedooroftheChateauandshoutedtothosewithin。
\"AuxArmes，\"wasthecry。\"Anous，dnous！\"
Andinresponsetoittheassailantsturnedtail，anddasheddownthestairs，overleapingthedeadbodiesthatwerepileduponthem，andmanyamanslippinginthatshamblesandendingthedescentonhisback。Outintothecourtyardtheyswept：leavingthathandfulofgentlemen，theirfineclothesdisordered，splashedwithbloodandgrimedwithpowder，toquestiononeanothertouchingthisportent，thismiraclethatseemedwroughtbyHeavenfortheirsalvation。
CHAPTERVI
THECITIZENCOMMISSIONER
Itwas，afterall，nomiracle，unlesstheverytimelyarrivaluponthesceneofaregimentofthelinemightbeacceptedinthelightofHeaven—directed。Asamatteroffact，arumouroftheassaultthatwastobemadethatnightupontheChateaudeBellecourhadtravelledasfarasAmiens，andthere，thatevening，ithadreachedtheearsofacertainCommissioneroftheNationalConvention，whowasaccompanyingthisregimenttothearmyofDumouriez，theninBelgium。
NowitsohappenedthatthisCommissionerhadmeditatedmakingadescentupontheChateauonhisownaccount，andhewasnotmindedthatanypeasantryshouldforestallorbaulkhiminthebusinesswhichheproposedtocarryoutthere。Accordingly，heissuedcertainorderstothecommandant，fromwhichitresultedthatacompany，twohundredstrong，wasimmediatelydespatchedtoBellecour，toeitherdefendorrescueitfromthemob，andthereaftertoawaitthearrivaloftheCommissionerhimself。
ThiswasthecompanythathadreachedBellecourintheeleventhhour，toclaimtheattentionoftheassailants。Butthepeasants，aswehaveseen，werebynomeansdisposedtosubmittointerference，andthistheysignifiedbythemenacingfronttheyshowedthemilitary，abandoningtheirattackupontheChateauuntiltheyshouldbeclearconcerningtheintentionsofthenewcomers。OftheseintentionstheCaptaindidnotleavethemlongindoubt。Abriskwordofcommandbroughthismenintoabristlinglineofattack，whichinitselfshouldhaveprovedsufficienttoensurethepeasantry’srespect。
\"Citizens\"criedtheofficer，steppingforward，\"inthenameoftheFrenchRepublicIchargeyoutowithdrawandtoleaveusunhamperedinthebusinessweareheretodischarge。\"
\"Citizen—captain，\"answeredthegiantSouvestre，constitutinghimselfthespokesmanofhisfellows，\"wedemandtoknowbywhatrightyouinterferewithhonestpatriotsofFranceintheactofriddingitofsomeofthearistocraticverminthatyetlingersonitssoil？\"
Theofficerstaredathisinterlocutor，amazedbythetoneofthemanasmuchasbythesuddengrowlsthatchorusedit，butnowiseintimidatedbyeithertheoneortheother。
\"IproclaimedmyrightwhenIissuedmychargeinthenameoftheRepublic，\"heansweredshortly。
\"WearetheRepublic，\"Souvestreretorted，withawaveofthehandtowardstheferociouscrowdofmenandwomenbehindhim。\"WearetheNation—thesacredpeopleofFrance。Inourownname，Citizen—soldier，wechargeyoutowithdrawandleaveusundisturbed。\"
Herelaythebasisofanargumentintowhich，however，theCaptain，beingneitherpoliticiannordialectician，wasnotmindedtobedrawn。Heshruggedhisshouldersandturnedtohismen。
\"Presentarms！\"wastheanswerhedelivered，inavoiceofsupremeunconcern。
\"Citizen—captain，thisisanoutrage，\"screamedavoiceinthemob。
\"Ifbloodisshed，uponyourownheadbeit。\"
\"Willyouwithdraw？\"inquiredtheCaptaincoldly。
\"Tome，mychildren，\"criedSouvestre，brandishinghissabre，andseekingtoencouragehisfollowers。\"DownwiththesetraitorswhodishonourtheuniformofFrance！Deathtotheblue—coats！\"
Heleaptforwardtowardsthemilitary，andwithasuddenroarhisfollowers，afullhundredstrongsprangafterhimtothecharge。
\"Fire！\"commandedtheCaptain，andfromthefrontlineofhiscompanyfiftysheetsofflameflashedfromfiftycarbines。
Themobpaused；foraseconditwavered；thenbeforethesmokehadlifteditbroke，andshriekinginterror，itfledforcover，leavingthevalorousSouvestrealone，torevilethemforaswarmofcowardlyrats。
TheCaptainputhishandstohissidesandlaughedtillthetearscourseddownhischeeks。Checkinghismirthatlast，hecalledtoSouvestre，whowasretreatingindisgustandanger。
\"Hi！Myfriendthepatriot！Areyoustillofthesamemindorwillyouwithdrawyourpeople？\"
\"Wewillnotwithdraw，\"answeredthegiantsullenly。\"YoudarenotfireuponfreecitizensoftheFrenchRepublic。\"
\"DareInot？Doyoudeludeyourselfwiththat，northinkthatbecausethistimeIfiredoveryourheadsIdarenotfireintoyourranks。IgiveyoumywordthatifIhavetocommandmymentofireasecondtimeitshallnotbemeremake—believe，andIalsogiveyoumywordthatifattheendofaminuteIhavenotyourreplyandyouarenotmovingoutofthis—everyrogueofyoushallhaveaverybitterknowledgeofhowmuchIdare。\"
Souvestrewasheadstrongandangry。Butwhatcanoneman，howeverheadstrongandhoweverangry，doagainsttwohundred，whenhisownfollowersrefusetosupporthim。Thevalourofthepeasantswasdistinctlyofthatqualitywhosebetterpartisdiscretion。Thethunderofthatfusilladehadbeenenoughtoshattertheirnerve，andtoSouvestre’sexhortationsthattheyshouldbecomemartyrsinthenoblecause，ofthepeopleagainsttyranny，inwhatsoeverguiseitcame，theyansweredwiththeunanswerablelogicofcaution。
Theendwasthataveryfewmomentslatersawtheminfullretreat，leavingthemilitaryinsoleandundisputedpossessionofBellecour。
Theofficer’sfirstthoughtwasfortheblazingstables，andheatonceorderedadetachmentofhiscompanytosetaboutquenchingthefire，amatterinwhichtheysucceededaftersometwohoursofarduouslabour。
Meanwhile，leavingthemainbodybivouackedinthecourtyard，heenteredtheChateauwithascoreofmen，andcameuponthetengentlemenstillstandingintheshamblesthatthegrandstaircasepresented。WiththeMarquisdeBellecourtheCaptainhadabriefandnotovercourteousinterview。HeinformedthenoblemanthathewasactingundertheordersofaCommissioner，whohadheardatAmiens，thatevening，oftheattackthatwastobemadeuponBellecour。NotunnaturallytheMarquiswasmistrustfuloftheendswhichthatCommissioner，whoeverhemightbe，lookedtoservebysounusualanact。FarbetterdiditsortwiththemethodsoftheNationalConventionanditsmemberstoleavethebutcheringofaristocratstotakeitscourse。HesoughtinformationattheCaptain’shands，buttheofficerwasreticenttothepointofcurtness，andso，theiranxietybutlittlerelieved，sinceitmightseemthattheyhadbutescapedfromScyllatobeengulfedinCharbydis，thearistocratsatBellecourspentthenightinodioussuspense。Thosethatweretendingthewoundedhadperhapsthebestofit，sincethustheirmindswereoccupiedandsavedthetortureofspeculation。
Theproportionofslainwasmercifullysmall：oftwentythathadfallenitwasfoundthatbutsixweredead，theothersbeingmoreorlessseverelyhurt。Conspicuousamongthementhatremained，andperhapsthebravestofthemallwasoldDesCadoux。Hehadrecoveredhissnuff—box，thanwhichthereseemedtobenothingofgreaterimportanceintheworld，andhemovedfromgrouptogroupwithhereajestandthereawordofencouragement，asseemedbestsuitedtothoseheaddressed。Ofthewomen，MademoiselledeBellecourandhersharptonguedmother，showedcertainlythemostundauntedfronts。
Suzannehadnotseenherbetrothedsincethefightuponthestairs。
Butshewastoldthathewasunhurt，andthathewastendingacousinofhiswhohadbeenseverelywoundedinthehead。
Itwasanhourorsoaftersunrisewhenhesoughtherout，andtheystoodinconversationtogether—averyjadedpair—lookingdownfromoneofthewindowsuponthestalwartblue—coatsthatwerebivouackedinthequadrangle。
Suddenlyonthestillmorningaircamethesoundofhoof—beats，andastheylookedtheyespiedamaninacockedhatandanampleblackcloakridingbrisklyuptheavenue。
\"See？\"exclaimedOmbreval；\"yonderatlastcomesthegreatmanweareawaiting—theCommissionerofthatrabbletheycalltheNationalConvention。Nowweshallknowwhatfateisreservedforus。\"
\"Butwhatcantheydo？\"sheasked。
\"ItisthefashiontosendpeopleofourstationtoParis，\"hereplied，\"tomakeamockofuswithanaffairtheycallatrialbeforetheymurderus。\"
Shesighed。
\"Perhapsthisgentlemanismoremerciful，\"wasthehopesheexpressed。
\"Merciful？\"hemocked。\"Mafoi，aravenoustigermaybemercifulbeforeoneofthese。Hadyourfatherbeenwisehehadorderedthefewofusthatremainedtochargethosesoldierswhentheyentered，andtohavemetourendupontheirbayonets。Thatwouldhavebeenamercifulfatecomparedwiththemercyofthisso—calledCommissionerislikelytoextendus。\"
Itseemedtobehiswaytofindfault，andthatwarpinhischaracterrenderedhimnowasheroic—inwords—ashehadbeenerstwhilescornful。
Suzanneshuddered，bravegirlthoughshewas。
\"Unlessyoucanconceivethoughtsofapleasantercomplexion，\"shesaid，\"Ishouldpreferyoursilence，M。d’Ombreval。\"
Helaughedinhisdisdainfulway—forhedisdainedallthings，exceptinghisownpersonandsafety—butbeforehecouldmakeanyanswertheywerejoinedbytheMarquisandhisson。
Inthecourtyardthehorsemanwasnowdismounting，andamomentortwolatertheyheardthefalloffeet，uponthestairs。Asoldierthrewopenthedoor，andholdingit，announced：
\"TheCitizen—deputyLaBoulaye，CommissioneroftheNationalConventiontothearmyofGeneralDumouriez。\"
\"This，\"mockedOmbreval，towhomthenamemeantnothing，\"istherepresentativeofaGovernmentofstrictequality，andheisannouncedwithasmuchpompaswaseveranambassadorofhismurderedMajesty’s。\"
Thenasomethingoutofthecommonintheattitudeofhiscompanionsarrestedhisattention。Mademoisellewasstaringwitheyesfullofthemostineffableamazement，herlipsparted，andhercheekswhiterthanthesleeplessnighthadpaintedthem。TheMarquiswasscowlinginasurprisethatseemednowhitlessthanhisdaughter’s，hisheadthrustforward，andhisjawfallen。TheVicomte，too，thoughinamilderdegree，offeredacountenancethatwaseloquentwithbewilderment。FromthissilentgroupOmbrevalturnedhistiredeyestothedoorandtookstockofthetwomenthathadentered。OneofthesewasCaptainJuste，theofficerincommandofthemilitary；theotherwasatallman，withapaleface，anaquilinenose，afirmjaw，andeyesthatwereverystern—eitherofhabitorbecausetheynowresteduponthemanwhofouryearsagohadusedhimsocruelly。
Hestoodamomentinthedoorwayasifenjoyingtheamazementwhichhadbeensownbyhiscoming。Therewasnomistakinghim。ItwasthesameLaBoulayeoffouryearsago，andyetitwasnotquitethesame。Thefacehadlostitsboyishness，andthestrenuouslifehehadlivedhadscoreditwithlinesthatgavehimthesemblanceofagreateragethanwashis。Theold，poeticmelancholythathaddweltinthesecretary’scountenancewasnowchangedtostrengthandfirmness。Althoughlittleknownasyettotheworldatlarge，thegreatonesoftheRevolutionheldhiminhighesteem，andlookeduponhimasapowertobereckonedwithinthenearfuture。OfRobespierre—who，itwassaid，haddiscoveredhimandbroughthimtoParis—hewastheprotegeandmorethanfriend，aprotectionandfriendshipthiswhichin’93madeanymanalmostomnipotentinFrance。
Hewasdressedinablackriding—suit，relievedonlybythewhiteneck—clothandthetricoloursashofofficeabouthiswaist。Heremovedhiscockedhat，beneathwhichthehairwastiedinaclubwiththesamescrupulouscareasofold。
Slowlyheadvancedintothesalon，andhissombreeyespassedfromtheMarquistoMademoiselle。Astheyresteduponhersomeofthesternnessseemedtofadefromtheirglance。Hefoundinherachangealmostasgreatasthatwhichshehadfoundinhim。Thelighthearted，laughinggirlofnineteen，whohadscornedhisprofferedlovewhenhehadwooedherthatAprilmorningtosuchdisastrouspurpose，wasnowripenedintoastatelywomanofthree—and—twenty。Hehadthoughthisboyishpassiondeadandburied，andoftenintheyearsthatweregonehadhesmiledsoftlytohimselfatthememoryofhisardour，aswesmileatthememoryofouryouthfulfollies。Yetnow，uponbeholdingheragain，sowondrouslytransformed，sotallandstraight，andsosuperblybeautiful，heexperiencedanoddthrillandaweakeningofthesternpurposethathadbroughthimtoBellecour。
Thenhisglancemovedon。Amomentitrestedonthesupercilious，high—bredcountenanceoftheVicomted’Ombreval，standingwithsoproprietaryanairbesideher，thenitpassedtothekindlyoldfaceofDesCadoux，andherecalledhowthisgentlemanhadsoughttostaythefloggingofhim。AninstantithoveredontheMarquis，who—haggardoffaceandwithhisarminasling—wasobservinghimwithanexpressioninwhichscornandwonderwerestrivingforthemastery；itseemedtoshunthegazeofthepale—facedVicomte，whosetutorhehadbeenintheolddaysofhissecretaryship，andfullandsternitreturnedatlasttosettleupontheMarquis。