Pagina 700 di 896

In a moment, the whole company were on their feet. That somebody

was assassinated by somebody vindicating a difference of opinion

was the likeliest occurrence. Everybody looked to see somebody

fall, but only saw a man and a woman standing staring at each

other; the man with all the outward aspect of a Frenchman and a

thorough Republican; the woman, evidently English.

What was said in this disappointing anti-climax, by the disciples

of the Good Republican Brutus of Antiquity, except that it was

something very voluble and loud, would have been as so much

Hebrew or Chaldean to Miss Pross and her protector, though they

had been all ears. But, they had no ears for anything in their

surprise. For, it must be recorded, that not only was Miss Pross

lost in amazement and agitation, but, Mr. Cruncher--though it

seemed on his own separate and individual account--was in a state

of the greatest wonder.