Two men on horseback stopped the carriage. One was Enguerrand de Vandemar, the other was the Algerine Colonel whom we met at the supper given at the Maison Doree by Frederic Lemercier. "Pardon, Madame Morley," said Enguerrand; "but there are symptoms of a mob-epidemic a little further up the fever began at Belleville, and is threatening the health of the Champs Elysees. Don't be alarmed--it may be nothing, though it may be much. In Paris, one can never calculate an hour beforehand the exact progress of a politico-epidemic fever. At present I say, 'Bah! a pack of ragged boys, gamins de Paris;' but my friend the Colonel, twisting his _moustache en souriant amerement_, says, 'It is the indignation of Paris at the apathy of the Government under insult to the honour of France;' and Heaven only knows how rapidly French gamins grow into giants when Colonels talk about the indignation of Paris and the honour of France!" "But what has happened?" asked Mrs. Morley, turning to the Colonel. "Madame," replied the warrior, "it is rumoured that the King of Prussia has turned his back upon the ambassador of France; and that the _pekin_ who is for peace at any price--M. Ollivier--will say tomorrow in the Chamber, that France submits to a slap in the face." "Please, Monsieur de Vandemar, to tell my coachman to drive home," said Mrs. Morley. The carriage turned and went homeward. The Colonel lifted his hat, and rode back to see what the gamins were about. Enguerrand, who had no interest in the gamins, and who looked on the Colonel as a bore, rode by the side of the carriage. "Is there anything serious in this?" asked Mrs. Morley. "At this moment, nothing. What it may be this hour to-morrow I cannot say. Ah! Monsieur Vane, _bon jour_ I did not recognise you at first. Once, in a visit at the chateau of one of your distinguished countrymen, I saw two game-cocks turned out facing each other: they needed no pretext for quarrelling--neither do France and Prussia--no matter which game-cock gave the last offence, the two game-cocks must have it out. All that Ollivier can do, if he be wise, is to see that the French cock has his steel spurs as long as the Prussians. But this I do say, that if Ollivier attempts to put the French cock back into its bag, the Empire is gone in forty-eight hours. That to me is a trifle--I care nothing for the Empire; but that which is not a trifle is anarchy and chaos. Better war and the Empire than peace and Jules Favre. But let us seize the present hour, Mr. Vane; whatever happens to-morrow, shall we dine together to-day? Name your restaurant." "I am so grieved," answered Graham, rousing himself, "I am here only on business, and engaged all the evening."