hope, Citizen, to live to see
the end of the titles they love, even Mr.; for who is the master of a
freeman?"

"How droll is that, _maman!_" said De Courval, half catching this
singular interchange of sentiment.

"Why, Rene? What is droll?"

"Oh, nothing." He turned back, and addressing the taller man said:
"Pardon me, sir, but we are strangers in search of some reasonable
lodging-house. May I ask where we could go to find some one to direct
us?"

The gentleman appealed to took off his hat, bowing to the woman, and
then, answering the son, said, "My friend, Citizen Freneau, may know."
The citizen had small interest in the matter. The taller man, suddenly
struck by the woman's grave and moveless face and the patient dignity of
her bearing, began to take an interest in this stranded couple,
considering them with his clear hazel eyes. As he stood uncovered, he
said: "Tell them, Freneau! Your paper must have notices--advertisements.
Where shall they inquire?"

Freneau did not know, but quick to note his companion's interest, said
presently: "Oh, yes, they might learn at the library. They keep there a
list of lodging-houses."

"That will do," said the lean man. Madame, understanding that they were
to be helped by this somber-looking gentleman, said, "_Je vous remercie,
messieurs_."

"My mother thanks you, sir."

Then there was of a sudden cordiality. Most of the few French known to
Freneau were Republicans and shared his extreme opinions. The greater
emigration from the islands and of the beggared nobles was not as yet
what it was to become.

"You are French?" said Freneau.

"Yes, we are French."

"I was myself about to go to the library," said the taller man, and,
being a courteous gentleman gone mad with "gallic fever," added in
imperfect French, "If madame will permit me; it is near by, and I shall
have the honor to show the way."

Then Citizen Freneau of the new "National Gazette," a clerk in the
Department of State, was too abruptly eager to help; but at last saying
"Good-by, Citizen Jefferson," went his way as the statesman, talking his
best French to the handsome woman at his side, went down Chestnut
Street, while De Courval, relieved, followed them and reflected with
interest--for he had learned many things on the voyage--that the tall
man in front must be the former minister to France, the idol of the
Democratic party, and the head of that amazing cabinet of diverse
opinions which the great soldier