"He was fond of women before he became active in military affairs."
"Like Biron, who was a Lauzun," said Danton. Cimourdain added thoughtfully,—
"Yes, formerly a man devoted to pleasure. He must be terrible."
"Frightful!" said Robespierre. "He burns villages, kills the wounded, massacres prisoners, and shoots women."
"Women?"
"Yes. Among others he ordered a woman to be shot who was the mother of three children. No one knows what became of the children. Moreover, he is really a leader. He understands the art of warfare."
"True," replied Cimourdain. "When he was in the Hanoverian war the soldiers used to say, 'Richelieu above, Lantenac below;' but the latter was the actual general. Ask your colleague Dussaulx about it."
Robespierre remained for a moment absorbed in thought; then the conversation between Cimourdain and himself was renewed.
"Well, citizen Cimourdain, this man is in the Vendée."
"How long since?"