The collapse of the Directory was certain to take place; but few expected that the Legislature of France would likewise vanish.

For vanish it did: not for nearly half a century had France another free and truly democratic representative assembly.

This result of Brumaire was unexpected by several of the men who plotted the overthrow of unpopular Directors, and hoped for the nipping of Jacobinical or royalist designs.

Indeed, no event in French history is more astonishing than the dispersal of the republican deputies, most of whom desired a change of _personnel_ but not a revolution in methods of government.

Until a few days previously the Councils had the allegiance of the populace and of the soldiers; the troops at St.Cloud were loyal to the constitution, and respected the persons of the deputies until they were deluded by Lucien.