nd commonsense never writes
in that colour; as for the sword, I have passed the age of forty-five,
at which military service halts. But if some experience in active
service, some knowledge of the art by which soldiers are disciplined
and led, will be deemed sufficient title to a post of command, however
modest the grade be, I shall not be wanting among the defenders of
Paris."

"My brave dear Vicomte, if you are past the age to serve, you are in the
ripest age to command; and with the testimonials and the cross you
won in Algeria, your application for employment will be received with
gratitude by any general so able as Trochu."

"I don't know whether I shall apply to Trochu. I would rather be elected
to command even by the Mobiles or the National Guard, of whom I have
just spoken disparagingly; and no doubt both corps will soon claim and
win the right to choose their officers. But if elected, no matter by
whom, I shall make a preliminary condition; the men under me shall
train, and drill, and obey,--soldiers of a very different kind from the
youthful Pekins nourished on absinthe and self-conceit, and applauding
that Bombastes Furioso, M. Hugo, when he assures the enemy that Paris
will draw an idea from its scabbard. But here comes Savarin. Bon jour,
my dear poet."

"Don't say good day. An evil day for journalists and writers who do not
out-Herod Blanqui and Pyat. I know not how I shall get bread and cheese.
My poor suburban villa is to be pulled down by way of securing Paris;
my journal will be suppressed by way of establishing the liberty of the
press. I ventured to suggest that the people of France should have some
choice in the form of their government."

"That was very indiscreet, my poor Savarin," said Victor; "I wonder your
printing-office has not been pulled down. We are now at the moment when
wise men hold their tongues."

"Perhaps so, M. de Mauleon. It might have been wiser for all of us,
you as well as myself, if we had not allowed our tongues to be so free
before this moment arrived. We live to learn; and if we ever have what
may be called a passable government again, in which we may say pretty
much what we like, there is one thing I will not do, I will not
undermine that government without seeing a very clear way to the
government that is to follow it. What say you, Pierre Firmin?"

"Frankly, I say that I deserve your rebuke," answered De Mauleon
thoughtfully. "But, of course, you are going to take or