"Gauvain!" he exclaimed.
Marat observed Cimourdain's pallor.
"The Viscount Gauvain!" repeated Cimourdain.
"Yes," said Robespierre.
"Well?" exclaimed Marat, gazing steadfastly at Cimourdain.
There was a brief silence, broken by Marat.
"Citizen Cimourdain, do you accept the appointment of commissioner delegate to the commander Gauvain, with the condition which you yourself have laid down? Is it agreed?"
"It is," replied Cimourdain, with increasing pallor.
Robespierre took the pen that lay beside him, and in his slow and regular handwriting traced four lines on the sheet of paper headed "Committee of Public Safety." After signing it, he passed the pen and paper to Danton, who signed; and the signature of Marat, who had not once removed his eyes from the pale face of Cimourdain, was added to the others.
Robespierre, taking back the sheet, dated it and gave it to Cimourdain, who read on it the following:—