lemachus, to search for his father. [General laughter.]

_M. de Canalis_.--I did not expect so poetical an interruption;
but since the memory of the Odyssey has been thus evoked, I shall
ask the Chamber to kindly remember that Ulysses, though disguised
as a beggar and loaded with insults, was yet able to string his
bow and easily get the better of his enemies. [Violent murmurs from
the Centre.] I vote for leave of absence for fifteen days, and
that the Chamber be again consulted at the expiration of that
time.

_M. le Colonel Franchessini_.--I do not know if the last speaker
intended to intimidate the Chamber, but, for my part, such
arguments have very little power upon me, and I am always ready to
send them back whence they came. [Left: "Come! come!"]

_The President_.--Colonel, no provocations!

_M. le Colonel Franchessini_.--I am, however, of the opinion of
the speaker who preceded me; I do not think that the delinquent
has fled to escape the accusation against him. Neither that
accusation, nor the effect it will produce upon your minds, nor
even the quashing of his election would be able at this moment to
occupy his mind. Do you wish to know what M. de Sallenauve is
doing in England? Then read the English papers. For the last week
they have rung with the praises of a new prima donna who has just
made her first appearance at the London opera-house. [Violent
murmurs; interruption.]

_A Voice_.--Such gossip is unworthy of this Chamber!

_M. le Colonel Franchessini_.--Gentlemen, being more accustomed to
the frankness of camps than to the reticence of these precincts, I
may perhaps have committed the impropriety of thinking aloud. The
preceding speaker said to you that he believed M. de Sallenauve
was employed in collecting his means of defence; well, I do not
say to you "I believe," I tell you I _know_ that a rich stranger
succeed in substituting his protection for what which Phidias, our
colleague, was bestowing on his handsome model, an Italian woman
--[Fresh interruption. "Order! order!" "This is intolerable!"]

_A Voice_.--M. le president, silence the speaker!

Colonel Franchessini crosses his arms and waits till the tumult
subsides.

_The President_.--I request the speaker to keep to the question.

_M. le Colonel Franchessini_.--The question! I have not left it.
But, inasmuch as the Chamber refuses to hear me, I declare that I