"The Count of Paris is proclaimed King by the Chamber and the Duchess of Orléans Regent!' exclaimed the President.
"No—no—no!" was the almost unanimous shout that now rose in the Chamber.
"I demand," cried M. Lamartine, "that the Royal family withdraw!"
The question was put, and the Duchess and her sons, after great hesitation, were drawn away to a side door, at the further end of the hall. At the same moment a new crowd of the people rushed in and took seats beside the opposition members, by whom they were welcomed.
"I demand to speak!" cried M. Marie. "By the law of 1842, the Duke of Nemours is Regent. How can the King abrogate that law? I demand a provisional government!"
"A provisional government!" cried M. Crémieux. "We made a mistake in '30. Let there be no mistake in '48!"
"A provisional government," said the Abbé Genoude, a Legitimist; "but it must be the will of the people!"
M. Odillon Barrot, who had been long expected, now entered and immediately mounted the tribune.
"The crown of July rests on the head of a woman and a child!" cried the great lawyer.
The Duchess of Orléans instantly rose, as if about to speak, but, at the urgent solicitation of those around her, resumed her seat.