“It is Julie practising the Carmagnole.”
“The what? Are you all mad?”
“There, the baker is ringing,” said Madame, and passing by Danton, she went towards the door and called out, “Two loaves, Julie; two loaves.”
“And is Julie going to the baker in that costume?” shrieked Danton, and, attired in his pyjamas, he rushed downstairs.
“Mille diables!” he yelled, as he pulled back Julie from the hall-door. “To the kitchen, hussy.”
But Julie, lightly tapping the drum, sped upstairs to her mistress.
“Good-morning, Monsieur,” said the baker, “long live the Republic.”
“Two loaves,” replied Danton. “I am busy to-day, Monsieur,” he added, to explain his brusqueness and stop further conversation.
“Ah, yes, Monsieur Danton, you will soon have to go to the Mairie. I shall go up there myself when I shall have delivered my bread. It will be a great day for the procession. ‘Vive le Drapeau Rouge!’” And the baker waved his hand towards the balcony as Danton almost shut the door in his face.