"If you are looking for me, citizen Saint-Just, here I am," said the youth, approaching him.
"Yes, come here! Have you heard that your Greek professor is about to be married?"
Mademoiselle de Brumpt's story recurred at once to the boy's mind.
"It would take too long to tell you what I think."
"No, tell me," said Saint-Just, laughing; "we have plenty of time."
Charles related the story of the dinner at Euloge Schneider's, together with the episode of the young girl and that of the executioner. As he listened, Saint-Just's head remained motionless, but the rest of his body quivered unceasingly.
Suddenly a great hubbub was heard in one of the streets leading from the Kehl gate to the town-hall.
Doubtless Saint-Just divined the cause of this commotion, for, turning to Charles, he said: "If you would like to go, my child, you are free to do so; but if you would like to be present at a great act of justice, remain."
Charles's curiosity forbade him to go, and he remained.
The messenger went to the window and drew aside the curtain. "There," said he, "there is the proof that I was not mistaken."