"In the primitive times of history man wandered naked through the forests, supporting life with the fruit of trees, and the milk and flesh of animals which he hunted. One day he saw an animal like himself passing through the woods. He flung his lasso and caught it. It proved to be—a woman. Hence the family, señores diputados...."
He went on giving a complete though succinct sketch of universal history, and explained to the minutest details the theories of the social contract. He quoted numerous texts from the wise men of ancient and modern times in support of his own theories. Attention was attracted above all by one proposition of bold originality, and as it was received with murmurs by the assembly, the deputy exclaimed:—
"What! does this surprise you? But it is not I that say it. Brígida says it."
"Who is Brígida?" asked a journalistic tyro.
"His housekeeper," replied another, without looking up.
"Why! what a ridiculous thing to quote his housekeeper here!" exclaimed the first.
The deputies received with renewed murmurs the name of the author of the quotation.
"Brígida says it," cried the orator with all the force of his lungs.
Louder and longer murmurs. When quiet was restored, he said in a grave and solemn tone:—
"Santa Brígida says so!"