"Itshallbeasthouwilt，"saidNicot，withadevil'ssneer；
　　"buthemustbearrestedforthemoment。Noharmshallhappentohim，fornoaccusershallappear。Buther，——thouwiltnotrelentforher？"
　　Fillideturneduponhimhereyes，andtheirdarkglancewassufficientanswer。
　　CHAPTER7。VI。
　　InpoppaquellaCheguidarglidovea，fatalDonsella。
　　"Ger。Lib。"cant。xv。3。
　　Bytheprowwasthefatalladyordainedtobetheguide。
　　TheItaliandidnotoverratethatcraftofsimulationproverbialwithhercountryandhersex。Notaword，notalook，thatdayrevealedtoGlyndonthedeadlychangethathadconverteddevotionintohate。Hehimself，indeed，absorbedinhisownschemes，andinreflectionsonhisownstrangedestiny，wasnoniceobserver。
　　Buthermanner，milderandmoresubduedthanusual，producedasofteningeffectuponhismeditationstowardstheevening；andhethenbegantoconversewithheronthecertainhopeofescape，andonthefuturethatwouldawaittheminlessunhallowedlands。
　　"Andthyfairfriend，"saidFillide，withanavertedeyeandafalsesmile，"whowastobeourcompanion？——thouhastresignedher，Nicottellsme，infavourofoneinwhomheisinterested。
　　Isitso？"
　　"Hetoldtheethis!"returnedGlyndon，evasively。"Well!doesthechangecontentthee？"
　　"Traitor!"mutteredFillide；andsherosesuddenly，approachedhim，partedthelonghairfromhisforeheadcaressingly，andpressedherlipsconvulsivelyonhisbrow。
　　"Thisweretoofairaheadforthedoomsman，"saidshe，withaslightlaugh，and，turningaway，appearedoccupiedinpreparationsfortheirdeparture。
　　Thenextmorning，whenherose，GlyndondidnotseetheItalian；
　　shewasabsentfromthehousewhenheleftit。ItwasnecessarythatheshouldoncemorevisitC——beforehisfinalDeparture，notonlytoarrangeforNicot'sparticipationintheflight，butlestanysuspicionshouldhavearisentothwartorendangertheplanhehadadopted。C——，thoughnotoneoftheimmediatecoterieofRobespierre，andindeedsecretlyhostiletohim，hadpossessedtheartofkeepingwellwitheachfactionasitrosetopower。Sprungfromthedregsofthepopulace，hehad，nevertheless，thegraceandvivacitysooftenfoundimpartiallyamongsteveryclassinFrance。Hehadcontrivedtoenrichhimself——noneknewhow——inthecourseofhisrapidcareer。Hebecame，indeed，ultimatelyoneofthewealthiestproprietorsofParis，andatthattimekeptasplendidandhospitablemansion。
　　Hewasoneofthosewhom，fromvariousreasons，Robespierredeignedtofavour；andhehadoftensavedtheproscribedandsuspected，byprocuringthempassportsunderdisguisednames，andadvisingtheirmethodofescape。ButC——wasamanwhotookthistroubleonlyfortherich。"TheincorruptibleMaximilien，"whodidnotwantthetyrant'sfacultyofpenetration，probablysawthroughallhismanoeuvres，andtheavaricewhichhecloakedbeneathhischarity。ButitwasnoticeablethatRobespierrefrequentlyseemedtowinkat——nay，partiallytoencourage——suchviceinmenwhomhemeanthereaftertodestroy，aswouldtendtolowertheminthepublicestimation，andtocontrastwithhisownaustereandunassailableintegrityandPURISM。And，doubtless，heoftengrimlysmiledinhissleeveatthesumptuousmansionandthegripingcovetousnessoftheworthyCitizenC。
　　Tothispersonage，then，Glyndonmusinglybenthisway。Itwastrue，ashehaddarklysaidtoViola，thatinproportionashehadresistedthespectre，itsterrorshadlosttheirinfluence。
　　Thetimehadcomeatlast，when，seeingcrimeandviceinalltheirhideousness，andinsovastatheatre，hehadfoundthatinviceandcrimetherearedeadlierhorrorsthanintheeyesofaphantom-fear。Hisnativenoblenessbegantoreturntohim。Ashepassedthestreets，herevolvedinhismindprojectsoffuturerepentanceandreformation。Heevenmeditated，asajustreturnforFillide'sdevotion，thesacrificeofallthereasoningsofhisbirthandeducation。Hewouldrepairwhatevererrorshehadcommittedagainsther，bytheself-immolationofmarriagewithonelittlecongenialwithhimself。HewhohadoncerevoltedfrommarriagewiththenobleandgentleViola!——hehadlearnedinthatworldofwrongtoknowthatrightisright，andthatHeavendidnotmaketheonesextobethevictimoftheother。TheyoungvisionsoftheBeautifulandtheGoodroseoncemorebeforehim；
　　andalongthedarkoceanofhismindlaythesmileofreawakeningvirtue，asapathofmoonlight。Never，perhaps，hadtheconditionofhissoulbeensoelevatedandunselfish。
　　InthemeanwhileJeanNicot，equallyabsorbedindreamsofthefuture，andalreadyinhisownmindlayingouttothebestadvantagethegoldofthefriendhewasabouttobetray，tookhiswaytothehousehonouredbytheresidenceofRobespierre。HehadnointentiontocomplywiththerelentingprayerofFillide，thatthelifeofGlyndonshouldbespared。HethoughtwithBarrere，"Iln'yaquelesmortsquinerevientpas。"Inallmenwhohavedevotedthemselvestoanystudy，oranyart，withsufficientpainstoattainacertaindegreeofexcellence，theremustbeafundofenergyimmeasurablyabovethatoftheordinaryherd。Usuallythisenergyisconcentratedontheobjectsoftheirprofessionalambition，andleavesthem，therefore，apathetictotheotherpursuitsofmen。Butwherethoseobjectsaredenied，wherethestreamhasnotitslegitimatevent，theenergy，irritatedandaroused，possessesthewholebeing，andifnotwastedondesultoryschemes，orifnotpurifiedbyconscienceandprinciple，becomesadangerousanddestructiveelementinthesocialsystem，throughwhichitwandersinriotanddisorder。
　　Hence，inallwisemonarchies，——nay，inallwell-constitutedstates，——thepeculiarcarewithwhichchannelsareopenedforeveryartandeveryscience；hencethehonourpaidtotheircultivatorsbysubtleandthoughtfulstatesmen，who，perhaps，forthemselves，seenothinginapicturebutcolouredcanvas，——
　　nothinginaproblembutaningeniouspuzzle。Nostateisevermoreindangerthanwhenthetalentthatshouldbeconsecratedtopeacehasnooccupationbutpoliticalintrigueorpersonaladvancement。Talentunhonouredistalentatwarwithmen。Andhereitisnoticeable，thattheclassofactorshavingbeenthemostdegradedbythepublicopinionoftheoldregime，theirverydustdeprivedofChristianburial，nomenwithcertainexceptionsinthecompanyespeciallyfavouredbytheCourtweremorerelentlessandrevengefulamongthescourgesoftheRevolution。InthesavageCollotd'Herbois，mauvaiscomedien，wereembodiedthewrongsandthevengeanceofaclass。
　　NowtheenergyofJeanNicothadneverbeensufficientlydirectedtotheartheprofessed。Eveninhisearliestyouth，thepoliticaldisquisitionsofhismaster，David，haddistractedhimfromthemoretediouslaboursoftheeasel。Thedefectsofhispersonhadembitteredhismind；theatheismofhisbenefactorhaddeadenedhisconscience。Foronegreatexcellenceofreligion——
　　aboveall，theReligionoftheCross——is，thatitraisesPATIENCE
　　firstintoavirtue，andnextintoahope。Takeawaythedoctrineofanotherlife，ofrequitalhereafter，ofthesmileofaFatheruponoursufferingsandtrialsinourordealhere，andwhatbecomesofpatience？Butwithoutpatience，whatisman？——
　　andwhatapeople？Withoutpatience，artnevercanbehigh；
　　withoutpatience，libertynevercanbeperfected。Bywildthroes，andimpetuous，aimlessstruggles，IntellectseekstosoarfromPenury，andanationtostruggleintoFreedom。Andwoe，thusunfortified，guideless，andunenduring，——woetoboth!
　　Nicotwasavillainasaboy。Inmostcriminals，howeverabandoned，therearetouchesofhumanity，——relicsofvirtue；andthetruedelineatorofmankindoftenincursthetauntofbadheartsanddullminds，forshowingthateventheworstalloyhassomeparticlesofgold，andeventhebestthatcomestampedfromthemintofNaturehavesomeadulterationofthedross。Butthereareexceptions，thoughfew，tothegeneralrule，——
　　exceptions，whentheconscienceliesutterlydead，andwhengoodorbadarethingsindifferentbutasmeanstosomeselfishend。
　　Sowasitwiththeprotegeoftheatheist。Envyandhatefilleduphiswholebeing，andtheconsciousnessofsuperiortalentonlymadehimcursethemoreallwhopassedhiminthesunlightwithafairerformorhappierfortunes。But，monsterthoughhewas，whenhismurderousfingersgripedthethroatofhisbenefactor，Time，andthatfermentofallevilpassions——theReignofBlood——
　　hadmadeinthedeephellofhisheartadeeperstill。Unabletoexercisehiscallingforevenhadhedaredtomakehisnameprominent，revolutionsarenoseasonforpainters；andnoman——
　　no!nottherichestandproudestmagnateoftheland，hassogreataninterestinpeaceandorder，hassohighandessentialastakeinthewellbeingofsociety，asthepoetandtheartist，hiswholeintellect，everrestlessandunguided，waslefttoponderovertheimagesofguiltmostcongenialtoit。Hehadnofuturebutinthislife；andhowinthislifehadthemenofpoweraroundhim，thegreatwrestlersfordominion，thriven？Allthatwasgood，pure，unselfish，——whetheramongRoyalistsorRepublicans，——swepttotheshambles，andthedeathsmenleftaloneinthepompandpurpleoftheirvictims!NoblerpaupersthanJeanNicotwoulddespair；andPovertywouldriseinitsghastlymultitudestocutthethroatofWealth，andthengashitselflimbbylimb，ifPatience，theAngelofthePoor，satnotbyitsside，pointingwithsolemnfingertothelifetocome!Andnow，asNicotnearedthehouseoftheDictator，hebegantomeditateareversalofhisplansofthepreviousday:notthathefalteredinhisresolutiontodenounceGlyndon，andViolawouldnecessarilysharehisfate，asacompanionandaccomplice，——no，THEREhewasresolved!forhehatedbothtosaynothingofhisoldbutnever-to-be-forgottengrudgeagainstZanoni。Violahadscornedhim，Glyndonhadserved，andthethoughtofgratitudewasasintolerabletohimasthememoryofinsult。Butwhy，now，shouldheflyfromFrance？——hecouldpossesshimselfofGlyndon'sgold；hedoubtednotthathecouldsomasterFillidebyherwrathandjealousythathecouldcommandheracquiescenceinallheproposed。Thepapershehadpurloined——Desmoulins'
　　correspondencewithGlyndon——whileitinsuredthefateofthelatter，mightbeeminentlyserviceabletoRobespierre，mightinducethetyranttoforgethisownoldliaisonswithHebert，andenlisthimamongthealliesandtoolsoftheKingofTerror。
　　Hopesofadvancement，ofwealth，ofacareer，againrosebeforehim。Thiscorrespondence，datedshortlybeforeCamilleDesmoulins'death，waswrittenwiththatcarelessanddaringimprudencewhichcharacterisedthespoiledchildofDanton。ItspokeopenlyofdesignsagainstRobespierre；itnamedconfederateswhomthetyrantdesiredonlyapopularpretexttocrush。ItwasanewinstrumentofdeathinthehandsoftheDeath-compeller。WhatgreatergiftcouldhebestowonMaximilientheIncorruptible？
　　Nursingthesethoughts，hearrivedatlastbeforethedoorofCitizenDupleix。Aroundthethresholdweregrouped，inadmiredconfusion，someeightortensturdyJacobins，thevoluntarybody-
　　guardofRobespierre，——tallfellows，wellarmed，andinsolentwiththepowerthatreflectspower，mingledwithwomen，youngandfair，andgaylydressed，whohadcome，upontherumourthatMaximilienhadhadanattackofbile，toinquiretenderlyofhishealth；forRobespierre，strangethoughitseem，wastheidolofthesex!
　　Throughthiscortegestationedwithoutthedoor，andreachingupthestairstothelanding-place，——forRobespierre'sapartmentswerenotspaciousenoughtoaffordsufficientantechamberforleveessonumerousandmiscellaneous，——Nicotforcedhisway；andfarfromfriendlyorflatteringweretheexpressionsthatregaledhisears。
　　"Aha，lejoliPolichinelle!"saidacomelymatron，whoserobehisobtrusiveandangularelbowscruellydiscomposed。"Buthowcouldoneexpectgallantryfromsuchascarecrow!"
　　"Citizen，IbegtoadvisetheeThecourteoususeofthepluralwasproscribedatParis。TheSocietiesPopulaireshaddecidedthatwhoeveruseditshouldbeprosecutedassuspectetadulateur!Atthedoorofthepublicadministrationsandpopularsocietieswaswrittenup，"Icions'honoreduCitoyen，etonsetutoye"!!!"HeretheyrespectthetitleofCitizen，andthey'thee'and'thou'oneanother。"TakeawayMurderfromtheFrenchRevolutionanditbecomesthegreatestfarceeverplayedbeforetheangels!thatthouarttreadingonmyfeet。Ibegthypardon，butnowIlookatthine，Iseethehallisnotwideenoughforthem。"
　　"Ho!CitizenNicot，"criedaJacobin，shoulderinghisformidablebludgeon，"andwhatbringstheehither？——thinkestthouthatHebert'scrimesareforgottenalready？Off，sportofNature!andthanktheEtreSupremethathemadetheeinsignificantenoughtobeforgiven。"
　　"AprettyfacetolookoutoftheNationalWindow"TheGuillotine。，saidthewomanwhoserobethepainterhadruffled。
　　"Citizens，"saidNicot，whitewithpassion，butconstraininghimselfsothathiswordsseemedtocomefromgrindedteeth，"I
　　havethehonourtoinformyouthatIseektheRepresentantuponbusinessoftheutmostimportancetothepublicandhimself；
　　and，"headdedslowlyandmalignantly，glaringround，"IcallallgoodcitizenstobemywitnesseswhenIshallcomplaintoRobespierreofthereceptionbestowedonmebysomeamongstyou。"
　　Therewasintheman'slookandhistoneofvoicesomuchofdeepandconcentratedmalignity，thattheidlersdrewback，andastheremembranceofthesuddenupsanddownsofrevolutionarylifeoccurredtothem，severalvoiceswereliftedtoassurethesqualidandraggedpainterthatnothingwasfartherfromtheirthoughtsthantoofferaffronttoacitizenwhoseveryappearanceprovedhimtobeanexemplarysans-culotte。Nicotreceivedtheseapologiesinsullensilence，and，foldinghisarms，leanedagainstthewall，waitingingrimpatienceforhisadmission。
　　Theloitererstalkedtoeachotherinseparateknotsoftwoandthree；andthroughthegeneralhumrangtheclear，loud，carelesswhistleofthetallJacobinwhostoodguardbythestairs。NexttoNicot，anoldwomanandayoungvirginweremutteringinearnestwhispers，andtheatheistpainterchuckledinlytooverheartheirdiscourse。
　　"Iassurethee，mydear，"saidthecrone，withamysteriousshakeofhead，"thatthedivineCatherineTheot，whomtheimpiousnowpersecute，isreallyinspired。Therecanbenodoubtthattheelect，ofwhomDomGerleandthevirtuousRobespierrearedestinedtobethetwograndprophets，willenjoyeternallifehere，andexterminatealltheirenemies。Thereisnodoubtofit，——nottheleast!"
　　"Howdelightful!"saidthegirl；"cecherRobespierre!——hedoesnotlookverylong-livedeither!"
　　"Thegreaterthemiracle，"saidtheoldwoman。"Iamjusteighty-one，andIdon'tfeeladayoldersinceCatherineTheotpromisedmeIshouldbeoneoftheelect!"
　　Herethewomenwerejostledasidebysomenewcomers，whotalkedloudandeagerly。
　　"Yes，"criedabrawnyman，whosegarbdenotedhimtobeabutcher，withbarearms，andacapoflibertyonhishead；"IamcometowarnRobespierre。Theylayasnareforhim；theyofferhimthePalaisNational。'Onnepeutetreamidupeupleethabiterunpalais。'""Noonecanbeafriendofthepeople，anddwellinapalace。"——"PapiersineditstrouveschezRobespierre，"
　　etc。，volumeii。page132。
　　"No，indeed，"answeredacordonnier；"Ilikehimbestinhislittlelodgingwiththemenuisier:itlookslikeoneofUS。"
　　Anotherrushofthecrowd，andanewgroupwerethrownforwardinthevicinityofNicot。Andthesemengabbledandchatteredfasterandlouderthantherest。
　　"Butmyplanis——"
　　"AudiablewithYOURplan!ItellyouMYschemeis——"
　　"Nonsense!"criedathird。"WhenRobespierreunderstandsMYnewmethodofmakinggunpowder，theenemiesofFranceshall——"
　　"Bah!whofearsforeignenemies？"interruptedafourth；"theenemiestobefearedareathome。MYnewguillotinetakesofffiftyheadsatatime!"
　　"ButMYnewConstitution!"exclaimedafifth。
　　"MYnewReligion，citizen!"murmured，complacently，asixth。
　　"Sacremilletonnerres，silence!"roaredforthoneoftheJacobinguard。
　　Andthecrowdsuddenlypartedasafierce-lookingman，buttoneduptothechin，hisswordrattlingbyhisside，hisspursclinkingathisheel，descendedthestairs，——hischeeksswollenandpurplewithintemperance，hiseyesdeadandsavageasavulture's。Therewasastillpause，asall，withpalecheeks，madewayfortherelentlessHenriot。OrH_a_nriot。ItissingularhowundeterminedarenotonlythecharactersoftheFrenchRevolution，buteventhespellingoftheirnames。WiththehistoriansitisVergniau_d_，——withthejournalistsofthetimeitisVorgniau_x_。WithoneauthorityitisRobespierre，——
　　withanotherRobe_r_spierre。Scarcehadthisgruffandironminionofthetyrantstalkedthroughthethrong，thananewmovementofrespectandagitationandfearswayedtheincreasingcrowd，asthereglidedin，withthenoiselessnessofashadow，asmiling，sobercitizen，plainlybutneatlyclad，withadowncasthumbleeye。Amilder，meekerfacenopastoralpoetcouldassigntoCorydonorThyrsis，——whydidthecrowdshrinkandholdtheirbreath？Astheferretinaburrowcreptthatslightformamongstthelargerandroughercreaturesthathuddledandpressedbackoneachotherashepassed。Awinkofhisstealthyeye，andthehugeJacobinsleftthepassageclear，withoutsoundorquestion。
　　Onhewenttotheapartmentofthetyrant，andthitherwillwefollowhim。
　　CHAPTER7。VII。
　　Constitutumest，utquisquiseumHOMINEMdixissetfuisse，capitalempenderetpoenam。
　　St。Augustine，"OftheGodSerapis，"l。18，"deCiv。Dei，"c。5。
　　Itwasdecreed，thatwhososhouldsaythathehadbeenaMAN，shouldsufferthepunishmentofacapitaloffence。
　　Robespierrewasreclininglanguidlyinhisfauteuil，hiscadaverouscountenancemorejadedandfatiguedthanusual。HetowhomCatherineTheotassuredimmortallife，looked，indeed，likeamanatdeath'sdoor。Onthetablebeforehimwasadishheapedwithoranges，withthejuiceofwhichitissaidthathecouldaloneassuagetheacridbilethatoverflowedhissystem；andanoldwoman，richlydressedshehadbeenaMarquiseintheoldregimewasemployedinpeelingtheHesperianfruitsforthesickDragon，withdelicatefingerscoveredwithjewels。IhavebeforesaidthatRobespierrewastheidolofthewomen。Strangecertainly!——butthentheywereFrenchwomen!TheoldMarquise，who，likeCatherineTheot，calledhim"son，"reallyseemedtolovehimpiouslyanddisinterestedlyasamother；andasshepeeledtheoranges，andheapedonhimthemostcaressingandsoothingexpressions，thelividghostofasmileflutteredabouthismeagrelips。Atadistance，PayanandCouthon，seatedatanothertable，werewritingrapidly，andoccasionallypausingfromtheirworktoconsultwitheachotherinbriefwhispers。
　　SuddenlyoneoftheJacobinsopenedthedoor，and，approachingRobespierre，whisperedtohimthenameofGuerin。SeefortheespionageonwhichGuerinwasemployed，"LesPapiersinedits，"
　　etc。，volumei。page366，No。xxviii。Atthatwordthesickmanstartedup，asifnewlifewereinthesound。
　　"Mykindfriend，"hesaidtotheMarquise，"forgiveme；Imustdispensewiththytendercares。Francedemandsme。IamneverillwhenIcanservemycountry!"
　　TheoldMarquiselifteduphereyestoheavenandmurmured，"Quelange!"
　　Robespierrewavedhishandimpatiently；andtheoldwoman，withasigh，pattedhispalecheek，kissedhisforehead，andsubmissivelywithdrew。Thenextmoment，thesmiling，sobermanwehavebeforedescribed，stood，bendinglow，beforethetyrant。
　　AndwellmightRobespierrewelcomeoneofthesubtlestagentsofhispower，——oneonwhomhereliedmorethantheclubsofhisJacobins，thetonguesofhisorators，thebayonetsofhisarmies；
　　Guerin，themostrenownedofhisecouteurs，——thesearching，prying，universal，omnipresentspy，whoglidedlikeasunbeamthroughchinkandcrevice，andbroughttohimintelligencenotonlyofthedeeds，buttheheartsofmen!
　　"Well，citizen，well!——andwhatofTallien？"
　　"Thismorning，early，twominutesaftereight，hewentout。"
　　"Soearly？——hem!"
　　"HepassedRuedesQuatreFils，RuedeTemple，RuedelaReunion，auMarais，RueMartin；nothingobservable，exceptthat——"
　　"Thatwhat？"
　　"Heamusedhimselfatastallinbargainingforsomebooks。"
　　"Bargainingforbooks!Aha，thecharlatan!——hewouldcloaktheintriguantunderthesavant!Well!"
　　"Atlast，intheRuedesFossesMontmartre，anindividualinabluesurtoutunknownaccostedhim。Theywalkedtogetheraboutthestreetsomeminutes，andwerejoinedbyLegendre。"
　　"Legendre!approach，Payan!Legendre，thouhearest!"
　　"Iwentintoafruit-stall，andhiredtwolittlegirlstogoandplayatballwithinhearing。TheyheardLegendresay，'Ibelievehispoweriswearingitselfout。'AndTallienanswered，'AndHIMSELFtoo。Iwouldnotgivethreemonths'purchaseforhislife。'Idonotknow，citizen，iftheymeantTHEE？"
　　"NorI，citizen，"answeredRobespierre，withafellsmile，succeededbyanexpressionofgloomythought。"Ha!"hemuttered；
　　"Iamyoungyet，——intheprimeoflife。Icommitnoexcess。No；
　　myconstitutionissound，sound。AnythingfartherofTallien？"
　　"Yes。Thewomanwhomheloves——TeresadeFontenai——wholiesinprison，stillcontinuestocorrespondwithhim；tourgehimtosaveherbythydestruction:thismylistenersoverheard。Hisservantisthemessengerbetweentheprisonerandhimself。"
　　"So!TheservantshallbeseizedintheopenstreetsofParis。
　　TheReignofTerrorisnotoveryet。Withthelettersfoundonhim，ifsuchtheircontext，IwillpluckTallienfromhisbenchesintheConvention。"
　　Robespierrerose，andafterwalkingafewmomentstoandfrotheroominthought，openedthedoorandsummonedoneoftheJacobinswithout。TohimhegavehisordersforthewatchandarrestofTallien'sservant，andthenthrewhimselfagainintohischair。
　　AstheJacobindeparted，Guerinwhispered，——
　　"IsnotthattheCitizenAristides？"
　　"Yes；afaithfulfellow，ifhewouldwashhimself，andnotswearsomuch。"
　　"Didstthounotguillotinehisbrother？"
　　"ButAristidesdenouncedhim。"
　　"Nevertheless，aresuchmensafeaboutthyperson？"
　　"Humph!thatistrue。"AndRobespierre，drawingouthispocket-
　　book，wroteamemoranduminit，replaceditinhisvest，andresumed，——
　　"WhatelseofTallien？"
　　"Nothingmore。HeandLegendre，withtheunknown，walkedtotheJardinEgalite，andthereparted。IsawTallientohishouse。
　　ButIhaveothernews。Thoubadestmewatchforthosewhothreatentheeinsecretletters。"
　　"Guerin!hastthoudetectedthem？Hastthou——hastthou——"
　　Andthetyrant，ashespoke，openedandshutbothhishands，asifalreadygraspingthelivesofthewriters，andoneofthoseconvulsivegrimacesthatseemedlikeanepilepticaffection，towhichhewassubject，distortedhisfeatures。
　　"Citizen，IthinkIhavefoundone。ThoumustknowthatamongstthosemostdisaffectedisthepainterNicot。"
　　"Stay，stay!"saidRobespierre，openingamanuscriptbook，boundinredmoroccoforRobespierrewasneatandprecise，eveninhisdeath-lists，andturningtoanalphabeticalindex，——"Nicot!——I
　　havehim，——atheist，sans-culotteIhateslovens，friendofHebert!Aha!N。B——ReneDumasknowsofhisearlycareerandcrimes。Proceed!"
　　"ThisNicothasbeensuspectedofdiffusingtractsandpamphletsagainstthyselfandtheComite。Yesterdayevening，whenhewasout，hisporteradmittedmeintohisapartment，RueBeauRepaire。
　　Withmymaster-keyIopenedhisdeskandescritoire。Ifoundhereinadrawingofthyselfattheguillotine；andunderneathwaswritten，'Bourreaudetonpays，lisl'arretdetonchatiment!'
　　Executionerofthycountry，readthedecreeofthypunishment!
　　Icomparedthewordswiththefragmentsofthevariouslettersthougavestme:thehandwritingtallieswithone。See，Itoreoffthewriting。"
　　Robespierrelooked，smiled，and，asifhisvengeancewerealreadysatisfied，threwhimselfonhischair。"Itiswell!Ifeareditwasamorepowerfulenemy。Thismanmustbearrestedatonce。"
　　"Andhewaitsbelow。IbrushedbyhimasIascendedthestairs。"
　　"Doesheso？——admit!——nay，——hold!hold!Guerin，withdrawintotheinnerchambertillIsummontheeagain。DearPayan，seethatthisNicotconcealsnoweapons。"
　　Payan，whowasasbraveasRobespierrewaspusillanimous，repressedthesmileofdisdainthatquiveredonhislipsamoment，andlefttheroom。
　　MeanwhileRobespierre，withhisheadburiedinhisbosom，seemedplungedindeepthought。"Lifeisamelancholything，Couthon!"
　　saidhe，suddenly。
　　"Beggingyourpardon，Ithinkdeathworse，"answeredthephilanthropist，gently。
　　Robespierremadenorejoinder，buttookfromhisportefeuillethatsingularletter，whichwasfoundafterwardsamongsthispapers，andismarkedLXI。inthepublishedcollection。
　　"Papiersinedits，'etc。，volumeii。page156。
　　"Withoutdoubt，"itbegan，"youareuneasyatnothavingearlierreceivednewsfromme。Benotalarmed；youknowthatIoughtonlytoreplybyourordinarycourier；andashehasbeeninterrupted，danssadernierecourse，thatisthecauseofmydelay。Whenyoureceivethis，employalldiligencetoflyatheatrewhereyouareabouttoappearanddisappearforthelasttime。Itwereidletorecalltoyouallthereasonsthatexposeyoutoperil。Thelaststepthatshouldplaceyousurlesophadelapresidence，butbringsyoutothescaffold；andthemobwillspitonyourfaceasithasspatonthosewhomyouhavejudged。Since，then，youhaveaccumulatedhereasufficienttreasureforexistence，Iawaityouwithgreatimpatience，tolaughwithyouatthepartyouhaveplayedinthetroublesofanationascredulousasitisavidofnovelties。Takeyourpartaccordingtoourarrangements，——allisprepared。Iconclude，——
　　ourcourierwaits。Iexpectyourreply。"
　　MusinglyandslowlytheDictatordevouredthecontentsofthisepistle。"No，"hesaidtohimself，——"no；hewhohastastedpowercannolongerenjoyrepose。Yet，Danton，Danton!thouwertright；bettertobeapoorfishermanthantogovernmen。""Ilvaudraitmieux，"saidDanton，inhisdungeon，"etreunpauvrepecheurquedegouvernerleshommes。"
　　Thedooropened，andPayanreappearedandwhisperedRobespierre，"Allissafe!Seetheman。"
　　TheDictator，satisfied，summonedhisattendantJacobintoconductNicottohispresence。Thepainterenteredwithafearlessexpressioninhisdeformedfeatures，andstooderectbeforeRobespierre，whoscannedhimwithasidelongeye。
　　ItisremarkablethatmostoftheprincipalactorsoftheRevolutionweresingularlyhideousinappearance，——fromthecolossaluglinessofMirabeauandDanton，orthevillanousferocityinthecountenancesofDavidandSimon，tothefilthysqualorofMarat，thesinisterandbiliousmeannessoftheDictator'sfeatures。ButRobespierre，whowassaidtoresembleacat，hadalsoacat'scleanness；andhisprimanddaintydress，hisshavensmoothness，thewomanlywhitenessofhisleanhands，madeyetmoreremarkablethedisorderlyruffianismthatcharacterisedtheattireandmienofthepainter-sans-culotte。
　　"Andso，citizen，"saidRobespierre，mildly，"thouwouldstspeakwithme？Iknowthymeritsandcivismhavebeenoverlookedtoolong。Thouwouldstasksomesuitableprovisioninthestate？
　　Scruplenot——sayon!"
　　"VirtuousRobespierre，toiquieclairesl'universThouwhoenlightenesttheworld。，Icomenottoaskafavour，buttorenderservicetothestate。Ihavediscoveredacorrespondencethatlaysopenaconspiracyofwhichmanyoftheactorsareyetunsuspected。"Andheplacedthepapersonthetable。
　　Robespierreseized，andranhiseyeoverthemrapidlyandeagerly。
　　"Good!——good!"hemutteredtohimself:"thisisallIwanted。
　　Barrere，Legendre!Ihavethem!CamilleDesmoulinswasbuttheirdupe。Ilovedhimonce；Ineverlovedthem!CitizenNicot，Ithankthee。IobservetheselettersareaddressedtoanEnglishman。WhatFrenchmanbutmustdistrusttheseEnglishwolvesinsheep'sclothing!Francewantsnolongercitizensoftheworld；thatfarceendedwithAnarcharsisClootz。Ibegpardon，CitizenNicot；butClootzandHebertwereTHYfriends。"
　　"Nay，"saidNicot，apologetically，"weareallliabletobedeceived。Iceasedtohonourthemwhomthoudidstdeclareagainst；forIdisownmyownsensesratherthanthyjustice。"
　　"Yes，Ipretendtojustice；thatISthevirtueIaffect，"saidRobespierre，meekly；andwithhisfelinepropensitiesheenjoyed，eveninthatcriticalhourofvastschemes，ofimminentdanger，ofmeditatedrevenge，thepleasureofplayingwithasolitaryvictim。ThemostdetestableanecdoteofthispeculiarhypocrisyinRobespierreisthatinwhichheisrecordedtohavetenderlypressedthehandofhisoldschool-friend，CamilleDesmoulins，thedaythathesignedthewarrantforhisarrest。"Andmyjusticeshallnolongerbeblindtothyservices，goodNicot。
　　ThouknowestthisGlyndon？"
　　"Yes，well，——intimately。HeWASmyfriend，butIwouldgiveupmybrotherifhewereoneofthe'indulgents。'IamnotashamedtosaythatIhavereceivedfavoursfromthisman。"
　　"Aha!——andthoudosthonestlyholdthedoctrinethatwhereamanthreatensmylifeallpersonalfavoursaretobeforgotten？"
　　"All!"
　　"Goodcitizen!——kindNicot!——obligemebywritingtheaddressofthisGlyndon。"
　　Nicotstoopedtothetable；andsuddenlywhenthepenwasinhishand，athoughtflashedacrosshim，andhepaused，embarrassedandconfused。
　　"Writeon，KINDNicot!"
　　Thepainterslowlyobeyed。
　　"WhoaretheotherfamiliarsofGlyndon？"
　　"ItwasonthatpointIwasabouttospeaktothee，Representant，"saidNicot。"Hevisitsdailyawoman，aforeigner，whoknowsallhissecrets；sheaffectstobepoor，andtosupportherchildbyindustry。ButsheisthewifeofanItalianofimmensewealth，andthereisnodoubtthatshehasmoneyswhicharespentincorruptingthecitizens。Sheshouldbeseizedandarrested。"
　　"Writedownhernamealso。"
　　"Butnotimeistobelost；forIknowthatbothhaveadesigntoescapefromParisthisverynight。"
　　"Ourgovernmentisprompt，goodNicot，——neverfear。Humph!——
　　humph!"andRobespierretookthepaperonwhichNicothadwritten，andstoopingoverit——forhewasnear-sighted——added，smilingly，"Dostthoualwayswritethesamehand，citizen？Thisseemsalmostlikeadisguisedcharacter。"
　　"Ishouldnotlikethemtoknowwhodenouncedthem，Representant。"
　　"Good!good!Thyvirtueshallberewarded，trustme。Salutetfraternite!"
　　Robespierrehalfroseashespoke，andNicotwithdrew。
　　"Ho，there!——without!"criedtheDictator，ringinghisbell；andasthereadyJacobinattendedthesummons，"Followthatman，JeanNicot。Theinstanthehasclearedthehouseseizehim。AtoncetotheConciergeriewithhim。Stay!——nothingagainstthelaw；
　　thereisthywarrant。Thepublicaccusershallhavemyinstruction。Away!——quick!"
　　TheJacobinvanished。Alltraceofillness，ofinfirmity，hadgonefromthevaletudinarian；hestooderectonthefloor，hisfacetwitchingconvulsively，andhisarmsfolded。"Ho!Guerin!"
　　thespyreappeared——"taketheseaddresses!WithinanhourthisEnglishmanandhiswomanmustbeinprison；theirrevelationswillaidmeagainstworthierfoes。Theyshalldie:theyshallperishwiththerestonthe10th，——thethirddayfromthis。
　　There!"andhewrotehastily，——"there，also，isthywarrant!
　　Off!
　　"Andnow，Couthon，Payan，wewilldallynolongerwithTallienandhiscrew。IhaveinformationthattheConventionwillNOT
　　attendtheFeteonthe10th。Wemusttrustonlytotheswordofthelaw。Imustcomposemythoughts，——preparemyharangue。To-
　　morrow，IwillreappearattheConvention；to-morrow，boldSt。
　　Justjoinsus，freshfromourvictoriousarmies；to-morrow，fromthetribune，IwilldartthethunderboltonthemaskedenemiesofFrance；to-morrow，Iwilldemand，inthefaceofthecountry，theheadsoftheconspirators。"
　　CHAPTER7。VIII。
　　Leglaiveestcontretoitournedetoutesparties。
　　LaHarpe，"JeannedeNaples，"Activ。sc。4。
　　Theswordisraisedagainstyouonallsides。
　　InthemeantimeGlyndon，afteranaudienceofsomelengthwithC——，inwhichthefinalpreparationswerearranged，sanguineofsafety，andforeseeingnoobstacletoescape，benthiswaybacktoFillide。Suddenly，inthemidstofhischeerfulthoughts，hefanciedheheardavoicetoowellandtooterriblyrecognised，hissinginhisear，"What!thouwouldstdefyandescapeme!thouwouldstgobacktovirtueandcontent。Itisinvain，——itistoolate。No，_I_willnothauntthee；HUMANfootsteps，nolessinexorable，dogtheenow。Methoushaltnotseeagaintillinthedungeon，atmidnight，beforethydoom!Behold——"
　　AndGlyndon，mechanicallyturninghishead，saw，closebehindhim，thestealthyfigureofamanwhomhehadobservedbefore，butwithlittleheed，passandrepasshim，ashequittedthehouseofCitizenC。Instantlyandinstinctivelyheknewthathewaswatched，——thathewaspursued。Thestreethewasinwasobscureanddeserted，forthedaywasoppressivelysultry，anditwasthehourwhenfewwereabroad，eitheronbusinessorpleasure。Boldashewas，anicychillshotthroughhisheart，heknewtoowellthetremendoussystemthatthenreignedinParisnottobeawareofhisdanger。Asthesightofthefirstplague-
　　boiltothevictimofthepestilence，wasthefirstsightoftheshadowyspytothatoftheRevolution:thewatch，thearrest，thetrial，theguillotine，——thesemadetheregularandrapidstepsofthemonsterthattheanarchistscalledLaw!Hebreathedhard，hehearddistinctlytheloudbeatingofhisheart。Andsohepaused，stillandmotionless，gazingupontheshadowthathaltedalsobehindhim。
　　Presently，theabsenceofallalliestothespy，thesolitudeofthestreets，reanimatedhiscourage；hemadeasteptowardshispursuer，whoretreatedasheadvanced。"Citizen，thoufollowestme，"hesaid。"Thybusiness？"
　　"Surely，"answeredtheman，withadeprecatingsmile，"thestreetsarebroadenoughforboth？ThouartnotsobadarepublicanastoarrogateallParistothyself!"
　　"Goonfirst，then。Imakewayforthee。"
　　Themanbowed，doffedhishatpolitely，andpassedforward。ThenextmomentGlyndonplungedintoawindinglane，andfledfastthroughalabyrinthofstreets，passages，andalleys。Bydegreeshecomposedhimself，and，lookingbehind，imaginedthathehadbaffledthepursuer；hethen，byacircuitousroute，benthiswayoncemoretohishome。Asheemergedintooneofthebroaderstreets，apassenger，wrappedinamantle，brushingsoquicklybyhimthathedidnotobservehiscountenance，whispered，"ClarenceGlyndon，youaredogged，——followme!"andthestrangerwalkedquicklybeforehim。Clarenceturned，andsickenedoncemoretoseeathisheels，withthesameservilesmileonhisface，thepursuerhefanciedhehadescaped。Heforgottheinjunctionofthestrangertofollowhim，andperceivingacrowdgatheredcloseathand，roundacaricature-shop，divedamidstthem，and，gaininganotherstreet，alteredthedirectionhehadbeforetaken，and，afteralongandbreathlesscourse，gainedwithoutoncemoreseeingthespy，adistantquartierofthecity。
　　Here，indeed，allseemedsosereneandfairthathisartisteye，eveninthatimminenthour，restedwithpleasureonthescene。
　　Itwasacomparativelybroadspace，formedbyoneofthenoblequays。TheSeineflowedmajesticallyalong，withboatsandcraftrestingonitssurface。Thesungiltathousandspiresanddomes，andgleamedonthewhitepalacesofafallenchivalry。
　　Herefatiguedandpanting，hepausedaninstant，andacoolerairfromtheriverfannedhisbrow。"Awhile，atleast，Iamsafehere，"hemurmured；andashespoke，somethirtypacesbehindhim，hebeheldthespy。Hestoodrootedtothespot；weariedandspentashewas，escapeseemednolongerpossible，——theriverononesidenobridgeathand，andthelongrowofmansionsclosinguptheother。Ashehalted，heheardlaughterandobscenesongsfromahousealittleinhisrear，betweenhimselfandthespy。Itwasacafefearfullyknowninthatquarter。
　　HitheroftenresortedtheblacktroopofHenriot，——theminionsandhuissiersofRobespierre。Thespy，then，hadhuntedthevictimwithinthejawsofthehounds。Themanslowlyadvanced，and，pausingbeforetheopenwindowofthecafe，puthisheadthroughtheaperture，astoaddressandsummonforthitsarmedinmates。
　　Atthatveryinstant，andwhilethespy'sheadwasthusturnedfromhim，standinginthehalf-opengatewayofthehouseimmediatelybeforehim，heperceivedthestrangerwhohadwarned；
　　thefigure，scarcelydistinguishablethroughthemantlethatwrappedit，motionedtohimtoenter。Hesprangnoiselesslythroughthefriendlyopening:thedoorclosed；breathlesslyhefollowedthestrangerupaflightofbroadstairsandthroughasuiteofemptyrooms，until，havinggainedasmallcabinet，hisconductordoffedthelargehatandthelongmantlethathadhithertoconcealedhisshapeandfeatures，andGlyndonbeheldZanoni!
　　CHAPTER7。IX。
　　ThinknotmymagicwonderswroughtbyaidOfStygianangelssummonedupfromhell；
　　ScornedandaccursedbethosewhohaveessayedHergloomyDivesandAfritestocompel。
　　ButbyperceptionofthesecretpowersOfmineralspringsinNature'sinmostcell，Ofherbsincurtainofhergreenestbowers，Andofthemovingstarso'ermountaintopsandtowers。
　　Wiffen's"TranslationofTasso，"cant。xiv。xliii。
　　"Youaresafehere，youngEnglishman!"saidZanoni，motioningGlyndontoaseat。"FortunateforyouthatIcomeonyourtrackatlast!"
　　"Farhappierhaditbeenifwehadnevermet!Yetevenintheselasthoursofmyfate，IrejoicetolookoncemoreonthefaceofthatominousandmysteriousbeingtowhomIcanascribeallthesufferingsIhaveknown。Here，then，thoushaltnotpalterwithoreludeme。Here，beforewepart，thoushaltunraveltomethedarkenigma，ifnotofthylife，ofmyown!"
　　"Hastthousuffered？Poorneophyte!"saidZanoni，pityingly。
　　"Yes；Iseeitonthybrow。Butwhereforewouldstthoublameme？
　　DidInotwarntheeagainstthewhispersofthyspirit；didInotwarntheetoforbear？DidInottelltheethattheordealwasoneofawfulhazardandtremendousfears，——nay，didInotoffertoresigntotheetheheartthatwasmightyenough，whilemine，Glyndon，tocontentme？Wasitnotthineowndaringandresolutechoicetobravetheinitiation!OfthineownfreewilldidstthoumakeMejnourthymaster，andhislorethystudy!"