elings and of interests.
These speeches, repeated to the partisans of the Tiphaines by the same
mouths which told the Rogrons of the sneers of "those women" of the
Tiphaine clique, fed the hatreds of both sides, now increased by the
political element. The animosities caused at this time in France by the
spirit of party, the violences of which were excessive, were everywhere
mixed up, as in Provins, with selfish schemes and wounded or vindictive
individual interests. Each party eagerly seized on whatever might injure
the rival party. Personal hatreds and self-love mingled as much as
political animosity in even the smallest matters, and were carried to
hitherto unheard-of lengths. A whole town would be roused to excitement
over some private struggle, until it took the character of a political
debate.

Monsieur Tiphaine at once perceived in the case of Pierrette against the
Rogrons a means of humbling, mortifying, and dishonoring the masters of
that salon where plans against the monarchy were made and an opposition
journal born. The public prosecutor was called in; and together
with Monsieur Auffray the notary, Pierrette's relation, and Monsieur
Martener, a cautious consultation was held in the utmost secrecy as
to the proper course to follow. Monsieur Martener agreed to advise
Pierrette's grandmother to apply to the courts to have Auffray appointed
guardian to his young relation. The guardian could then convene a
"Family Council," and, backed by the testimony of three doctors, demand
the girl's release from the authority of the Rogrons. The affair thus
managed would have to go before the courts, and the public prosecutor,
Monsieur Lesourd, would see that it was taken to a criminal court by
demanding an inquiry.

Towards midday all Provins was roused by the strange news of what had
happened during the night at the Rogrons'. Pierrette's cries had been
faintly heard, though they were soon over. No one had risen to inquire
what they meant, but every one said the next day, "Did you hear those
screams about one in the morning?" Gossip and comments soon magnified
the horrible drama, and a crowd collected in front of Frappier's shop,
asking the worthy cabinet-maker for information, and hearing from him
how Pierrette was brought to his house with her fingers broken and the
hand bloody.

Towards one in the afternoon the post-chaise of Doctor Bianchon, who was
accompanied by Brigaut, stopped before the house, and Madame Frappier