ding up the street at the same moment, and a
short distance behind followed a handsome equipage, drawn by six horses,
after which came a heavy fourgon, with four.

One glance showed that the whole equipage betokened a wealthy owner.
There was all that cumbrous machinery of comfort about it that tells
of people who will not trust to the chances of the road for their daily
wants. Every appliance of ease was there; and even in the self-satisfied
air of the servants who lounged in the rumble might be read habits of
affluent prosperity. A few short years back, and none would have dared
to use such an equipage. The sight of so much indulgence would have
awakened the fiercest rage of popular fury; but already the high fever
of democracy was gradually subsiding, and, bit by bit, men were found
reverting to old habits and old usages. Still each new indication of
these tastes met a certain amount of reprobation. Some blamed openly,
some condemned in secret; but all felt that there was at least impolicy
in a display which would serve as pretext for the terrible excesses that
were committed under the banner of 'Equality.'

'If we lived in the days of princes,' said one of the officers, 'I
should say there goes one now. Just look at all the dust they are
kicking up yonder; while, as if to point a moral upon greatness, they
are actually stuck fast in the narrow street, and unable, from their own
unwieldiness, to get farther.'

'Just so,' cried another; 'they want to turn down towards the "Swan,"
and there isn't space enough to wheel the leaders.'

'Who or what are they?' asked a third.

'Some commissary-general, I'll be sworn,' said the first. 'They are the
most shameless thieves going; for they are never satisfied with robbery,
if they do not exhibit the spoils in public.'

'I see a bonnet and a lace veil,' said another, rising suddenly, and
pushing through the crowd. 'I'll wager it's a danseuse of the Grand
Opera.'

'Look at Merode!' remarked the former, as he pointed to the last
speaker. 'See how he thrusts himself forward there. 'Watch, and you'll
see him bow and smile to her, as if they had been old acquaintances.'

The guess was so far unlucky, that Merode had no sooner come within
sight of the carriage-window, than he was seen to bring his hand to
the salute, and remain in an attitude of respectful attention till the
equipage moved on.

'Well, Merode, who is it?--who are they?' cried several together, as he
fell bac