"It is no laughing matter," said Henri.
"I am not joking," said Simon. "I am organizing, myself, a regiment of Jewish gamins, that I shall lead to combat seated in a sedan chair. In place of a gun I will have my umbrella."
"Such pleasantry is ill-timed," replied Mathilde's father. "We are on the eve of grave events."
"It is every day more apparent. Alas!"
"Your 'alas,' Father Simon, shows that you condemn these revolutionary tendencies."
"How can I approve them?"
"It is useless to oppose public opinion," remarked Mann; "these fools will not listen to reason. When reason speaks they are deaf as a post. The best thing we can do is to look out for ourselves."
"The safest thing," added Simon, "is to conceal ourselves during the combat."
"Certainly. Why should we mix in it?" said Mann approvingly.
"To speak seriously," said Jacob, "there is, perhaps, another line of conduct to follow."