"Yes, monsieur; I have been notified."
"This evening, or to-night, we shall have to descend into the street. My wife and daughter do not know this. Not that I mistrust them," added the merchant with a smile, "they are true Gallic women, worthy of our mothers, the valiant women, who, with act and voice, encouraged their fathers, brothers, sons and husbands in battle. But you know our by-laws. They impose upon us absolute silence towards outsiders. George, within three days either the throne of Louis Philippe will be overthrown, or our party will have been once more vanquished. But not discouraged. To it belongs the future. At this appeal to arms, you or I, you and I, my friend, may be laid low upon the barricade."
"Such is the chance of war, monsieur; may you be spared!"
"To inform my daughter in advance that I consent to her marriage with you, and that you love her, would be only to increase her sorrow in case you succumb in the fray."
"I, therefore, request you, George, to await the issue of this crisis before speaking to my daughter. Should I be killed, my wife will be apprised of my last wishes, that you marry Velleda."
"Monsieur," replied George, profoundly moved, "what I feel at this moment can not be expressed. All I can say to you is—I shall approve myself worthy of your daughter—worthy of you; I am not overcome by the magnitude of the obligation that you put me under—my heart and my life will prove equal to it, I assure you, monsieur."
"I believe you, my brave George," said the linendraper, affectionately pressing the young man's hands in his own. "One word more. Have you arms?"
"I have a carbine hidden here, and fifty cartridges that I manufactured last night."
"Should the insurrection explode this evening, a very likely occurrence, we shall barricade the street up to my house. The post is excellent. We have several stacks of arms and ample powder. I went out this morning to inspect the deposits of ammunition that it was feared the police spies had discovered. I found the rumor false. At the first commotion, return to your apartment, George. I shall communicate with you—and then, 'sdeath! Firm on the barricades! Tell me, is your grandfather discreet?"