His big face, with its waxen complexion, filled up the space encircled by his collar-like beard, which was a marvel with its even surface of black hair; and, observing the golden mean between the elegance which his age might yearn for and the dignity which his profession exacted from him, he kept his thumbs stuck under his armpits, according to the custom of beaux, and then put his hands into his waistcoat pockets after the manner of learned personages. Though his boots were polished to excess, he kept his temples shaved in order to have the forehead of a thinker.
After he had addressed a few chilling words to Frederick, he turned once more towards those who were chatting around him. A land-owner was saying: "This is a class of men that dreams of upsetting society."
"They are calling for the organisation of labour," said another: "Can this be conceived?"
"What could you expect," said a third, "when we see M. de Genoude giving his assistance to the Siècle?"
"And even Conservatives style themselves Progressives. To lead us to what? To the Republic! as if such a thing were possible in France!"
Everyone declared that the Republic was impossible in France.
"No matter!" remarked one gentleman in a loud tone. "People take too much interest in the Revolution. A heap of histories, of different kinds of works, are published concerning it!"
"Without taking into account," said Martinon, "that there are probably subjects of far more importance which might be studied."
A gentleman occupying a ministerial office laid the blame on the scandals associated with the stage:
"Thus, for instance, this new drama of La Reine Margot really goes beyond the proper limits. What need was there for telling us about the Valois? All this exhibits loyalty in an unfavourable light. 'Tis just like your press! There is no use in talking, the September laws are altogether too mild. For my part, I would like to have court-martials, to gag the journalists! At the slightest display of insolence, drag them before a council of war, and then make an end of the business!"