They talked of the possibility of a sudden attack upon the town-hall by the workmen of the Faubourg.

The reaction was at its last gasp.
Pierre, at this overthrow of all his hopes, began to wonder what support he might still rely on if occasion should require any.
"Wasn't Aristide to come here this evening," he asked, "to make it up with us ?" "Yes," answered Felicite.

"He promised me a good article.

The 'Independant' has not appeared yet--" But her husband interrupted her, crying: "See! isn't that he who is just coming out of the Sub-Prefecture ?" The old woman glanced in that direction.

"He's got his arm in a sling again!" she cried.
Aristide's hand was indeed wrapped in the silk handkerchief once more.
The Empire was breaking up, but the Republic was not yet triumphant, and he had judged it prudent to resume the part of a disabled man.