At that moment a voice was heard at the farther end of the room, saying,—
"You are wrong, Marat."
All turned. During Marat's outbreak some one had entered, unperceived, through the door at the back of the room.
"Is that you, citizen Cimourdain?" said Marat "Good-day."
It was Cimourdain.
"I tell you that you are wrong, Marat," he repeated.
Marat turned green, which was his way of growing pale, and Cimourdain added:—
"You are useful, but Robespierre and Danton are indispensable. Why do you threaten them? Let us have union, citizens. The people wish us to be united."
This entrance was like a dash of cold water, or the arrival of a stranger upon the scene of a family quarrel; it produced a calming effect upon the surface, if it did not reach the depths.
Cimourdain advanced towards the table.