"But so thought not my friend Guizot. Like his oracle, the sage Montesquieu, he thought, 'Who assembles the people causes them to revolt.' He took fright at the manifesto, as he was pleased to dignify the simple programme in this morning's 'National,' and so, early in the sitting, it was announced that the reform banquet was utterly prohibited by M. Delessert, Préfect of Police, on the express injunction and responsibility of M. Duchatel, Minister of the Interior, by and with the advice of M. Hebert, Minister of Justice."
"Ha! and what said Odillon Barrot?" cried the journalist.
"He—why he said nothing at all, but immediately retired at the head of the opposition from the Chamber."
"To consult?"
"Of course. An hour after, they returned in a body two hundred and fifty strong, with Barrot at their head, who at once mounted the tribune and denounced the despotism of the Ministry in forbidding the peaceful assembling of the citizens, without tumult or arms, to discuss their political rights. Duchatel replied, under great excitement.
"'Shall reform committees dare to call out the National Guard at their pleasure?' he asked.
"'Will you dare to call out the National Guard?' retorted De Courtais, fiercely. 'Only try it!'
"'The Government of France will never yield!' rejoined the Minister, pale with fury.
"'Speak in your own name, Monsieur!' shouted Flocon.