in the Champs-Elysees was burned.
The troops at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were increased. No one was
suffered to pass. A Municipal Guard was dismounted and nearly killed by
the people. The crowd in the Rue Royale had become so dense that it was
impossible to pass to the Place de la Concorde. The troops charged. The
people gave way. Some were wounded badly; but still rose the shouts,
"Vive la Ligne! Down with the Municipal Guard!"

In the Place Vendome stood a regiment of the Line. There was the hotel
of M. Hebert, the Minister of Justice, and M. Hebert was hated by the
people. "Down with Hebert, the inventor of moral complicity!" yelled the
populace, but they made no attack.

It was ten o'clock at night. Many of the shops were closed, but the
cafes and restaurants were thronged. From time to time the shouts,
"Down with Guizot!" and "Vive la Reforme!" were heard and, also, the
roll of drums as a body of troops passed along; knots of individuals
gathered around the doors of bakers' shops, and, while they eagerly ate
their bread and sausage, as eagerly denounced Guizot and the Ministry.

But all was comparative order in Paris.

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE MIDNIGHT CONCLAVE.

It was twelve o'clock at night, on the 22nd of February, 1848.

Lights still gleamed in the vast edifice of "Le National" printing
office, and in the editorial chamber were assembled the chiefs of the
revolution.

"All goes well," said Louis Blanc. "The blow is struck; let it only be
followed up, and the efforts of the past ten years will not prove vain!"

"How true was the opinion of M. Dantes respecting the National Guard!"
said Marrast.

"How true also respecting the workmen!" said Albert.

"How true respecting the Ministry!" said Ledru Rollin. "But where is M.
Dantes? Why is he not here?"

At that moment the private door opened, and M. Dantes, Flocon and
Lamartine entered.

"The news from the Chambers!" cried Marrast, as they approached.

"Three impeachments of the Ministry have been proposed," said Lamartine.

"By whom--by whom?" asked Louis Blanc. "By whom presented?"

"One by Odillon Barrot, one by Duvergier d'Hauranne and one by M. de
Genoude, Deputy from Toulouse."

"And what said Guizot?" asked Marrast.

"Nothing. He only laughed when the papers were handed him by old
President Sauzet."

"Ah!" cried Ledru Rollin.

"Few deputies were there," continued Flocon. "The opposition benches
were vacant. Guizot was there