Elodie herself, though without knowing it she detested everything revolutionary and who dreaded official functions as the most dangerous of rivals, the most likely to estrange her lover's affections, the tender Elodie was impressed by the glamour attaching to a magistrate called upon to pronounce judgment in matters of life and death. Besides which, Evariste's promotion as a juryman was followed by other fortunate results that filled her loving heart with satisfaction; the _citoyen_ Jean Blaise made a point of calling at the studio in the Place de Thionville and embraced the young juror affectionately in a burst of manly sympathy. Like all the anti-revolutionaries, he had a great respect for the authorities established by the Republic, and ever since he had been denounced for fraud in connection with his supplies for the army, the Revolutionary Tribunal had inspired him with a wholesome dread. He felt himself to be a person too much in the public eye and mixed up in too many transactions to enjoy perfect security; so the _citoyen_ Gamelin struck him as a friend worth cultivating. When all was said, one was a good citizen and on the side of justice. He gave the painter magistrate his hand, declaring himself his true friend and a true patriot, a well-wisher of the arts and of liberty. Gamelin forgot his injuries and pressed the hand so generously offered. "_Citoyen_ Evariste Gamelin," said Jean Blaise, "I appeal to you as a friend and as a man of talent. I am going to take you to-morrow for two days' jaunt in the country; you can do some drawing and we can enjoy a talk." Several times every year the print-dealer was in the habit of making a two or three days' expedition of this sort in the company of artists who made drawings, according to his suggestions, of landscapes and ruins. He was quick to see what would please the public and these little journeys always resulted in some picturesque bits which were then finished at home and cleverly engraved; prints in red or colours were struck off from these, and brought in a good profit to the _citoyen_ Blaise. From the same sketches he had over-doors and panels executed, which sold as well or better than the decorative works of Hubert Robert. On this occasion he had invited the _citoyen_ Gamelin to accompany him to sketch buildings after nature, so much had the juror's office increased the painter's importance in his eyes. Two other artists were of the party, the engraver Desmahis, who drew well, and an almost unknown man, Philippe Dubois, an excellent designer in the style of Robert. According to custom, the _citoyenne_ Elodie with her friend the _citoyenne_ Hasard accompanied the artists. Jean Blaise, an adept at combining pleasure with profit, had also extended an invitation to the _citoyenne_ Thevenin, an actress at the Vaudeville, who was reputed to be on the best of terms with him. X