“And shut up by yourself? There is something the matter, Charles.”
Charles gave in brief the story of the storm, which included the tidings that certain olive and almond groves, her own property, were utterly destroyed.
“Charles, Charles,” interrupted the old man, as soon as the mob had passed; “what news to-day?”
“I am afraid what you have just seen tells only too plainly, sir. The people are gone to the palace to vociferate for bread.”
“Well, well, fashions change,” observed M. Raucourt. “In my days the king gave away wine instead of bread.”
“If he did so now, sir, it would be a good thing for my trade. It would empty my cellars to supply such a crowd as has just gone by.”
“Does not your wine sell, this year?”
“Not very well, sir. People buy little of anything at present; but better times will certainly come.”
“But, papa, why do not all these people buy bread, if they want it so very much?” asked Julien.
“Because there is very little to be bought; and that little is too dear for poor people to buy.”