"What is it, Gildas?" asked Madam Lebrenn, proceeding unperturbed to make her entries in the large ledger.
"But, madam, it is the drum! Listen! Besides—Oh, good God!—I see some men running!"
"What of it, Gildas," returned Madam Lebrenn; "let them run."
"Mother," put in Velleda after listening a few seconds, "it is the call to arms. There must be some fear that the agitation that has reigned in Paris since yesterday may spread."
"Jeanike," Madam Lebrenn called out to the maid servant, "Monsieur Lebrenn's National Guard uniform must be got ready. He may want it on his return home."
"Yes, madam, I shall see to it," answered Jeanike, going to the rear room.
"Gildas," Madam Lebrenn proceeded, "can you see the St. Denis Gate from where you are?"
"Yes, madam," answered Gildas, all in a tremble; "would you want me to go there?"
"No; be at ease; only let me know whether there is much of a crowd gathering at that end of the street."
"Oh! yes, madam," answered Gildas, craning his neck. "It looks like an ant-hill. Oh, good God! Madam! Madam! Oh, my God!"