e; if the
thumbs meet, he will cast an affirmative ballot, but if they miss he will
deposit a negative.

"On the left is another scene, a convent refectory, transformed into the
assembly hall of the gentry. The older men are seated in a row on benches;
the younger are standing and looking curiously over their heads towards
the centre; in the centre stands the Marshal, holding the urn in his
hands; he is counting the balls, and the gentry devour them with their
eyes; he has just shaken out the last one: the Apparitors raise their
hands and announce the name of the elected official.

"One gentlemen has no respect for the general concord: see, he has thrust
in his head from the window of the refectory kitchen; see his wide-open
eyes, how insolently he stares; he has opened his mouth as though he
wanted to eat up the whole roomful: it is easy to guess that this
gentlemen has shouted '_Veto!_' See how at that sudden challenge to a
quarrel the throng is crowding to the door; they are evidently on their
way to the kitchen; they have drawn their swords, and a bloody fight is
sure to break out.

"But there in the corridor, sirs, pray notice that reverend old priest
advancing in his chasuble; that is the Prior bringing the Host from the
altar, while a boy in a surplice rings a bell and asks all to give way.
The gentry at once sheathe their sabres, cross themselves, and kneel; but
the priest turns in the direction whence a clink of arms is still heard:
soon he will arrive, and at once he will calm and reconcile all.

"Ah, you young men, do not remember this, how among our turbulent,
self-willed gentry, always under arms though they were, no police were
ever needed: while the true faith flourished, laws were respected; there
was liberty with order and glory along with plenty I In other lands, I
hear, the government maintains soldiers and all sorts of policemen,
gendarmes, and constables. But if the sword alone guards the public
security, then I shall never believe that liberty can exist in those
lands."

Suddenly, tapping his snuffbox, the Chamberlain said:--

"Seneschal, I pray you, postpone these stories until later; this diet is a
curious thing, to be sure, but we are hungry; pray, sir, have them bring
in the dinner."

Bending down his wand to the floor, the Seneschal replied:--

"Your Excellency, pray grant me this indulgence; I will speedily finish
with the last scene of the district diets. Here is the new Marshal, b