‘Yes; they are both Vendéans, and may kill each other without damage to the State.’
‘He was going to say Republic!’ cried another, laughing.
‘Who talks of a Republic?’ interposed a rough voice angrily.
‘Be calm, messieurs—all religions are to be respected,’
‘True, Mirabeau; but this is to proclaim none.’
‘Who knows? They never excavate near Rome but they discover some long-forgotten deity! Can you or I venture to say what new faith may not arise out of these ashes?’
‘Let it but repudiate the law of debt and discountenance marriage,’ said another, ‘and I am its first convert.’
‘Good-bye, Mirabeau, adieu,’ cried several together, and they were now heard descending the stairs. Meanwhile, Mirabeau drew back the curtain and looked out upon the street.
‘Whom have we got here?’ said the first who issued forth from the door, and saw Gerald standing before him.
‘What is it? who does he want?’ cried Mirabeau, as he saw them in conversation.