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。