Chapter 9
THE PORTE SAINT MARTIN Important deeds had been already achieved during the morning. "It is taking root," Bastide had said. The difficulty is not to spread the flames but to light the fire. It was evident that Paris began to grow ill-tempered. Paris does not get angry at will. She must be in the humor for it. A volcano possesses nerves. The anger was coming slowly, but it was coming. On the horizon might be seen the first glimmering of the eruption. For the Elys*, as for us, the critical moment was drawing nigh. From the preceding evening they were nursing their resources. The _coup d'***_ and the Republic were at length about to close with each other. The Committee had in vain attempted to drag the wheel; some irresistible impulse carried away the last defenders of liberty and
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