Simon the wooden-legged came down from his room, declaring that he was famished.
"Here we are! Here we are!" the three men exclaimed, taking their seats.
Robespierre had made a sign to Lebas to change the conversation on account of the women. Then significantly shrugging his shoulders, he whispered to him—
"The Committee of Public Safety? Well, I shall be ready for them!"
At table Robespierre, who was seated between Monsieur and Madame Duplay, hardly tasted his soup.
"The soup doesn't please you, friend?"
"Oh yes! Very good! Excellent!"
Victoire cleared away the soup plates as slowly as possible, waiting for Robespierre. When he had finished, she said—
"That is right, bon ami. You know you have to keep up your strength for to-morrow."
Madame Lebas now returned from the kitchen with the capon, and was greeted by a general murmur of admiration.