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His age, not his talents, entitled him to this distinction. Labbey de Pompières had but one idea, and almost only one word, and these were "Republic."

"Well, gentlemen," said old Labbey de Pompières, in his snuffling tone, and looking like an ancient monkey ; “well, gentlemen, you know exactly what situation we are in; you know all about the Ordonnances. - Has any body any thing to propose?"

"There is one question," said M. Dupin, "which must be settled at once. It takes preIcedence of all others. I wish to know in what character we are here assembled ?'

"In our character as deputies,” replied several.

"That is precisely what I deny," answered M. Dupin, with decision. "We are not deputies. Whatever question may arise as to the legality of the new Ordonnances, none can dispute the legality of that which has dissolved the Chamber. On this point the charter is clear. The King having an unquestionable power, has exercised it to dissolve us. We are, consequently, nothing more than a company of individuals, it may, or it may not, be influential ones. Doubtless we shall be all willing to exercise whatever credit

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we may possess with our fellow-citizens in maintaining order; but it becomes us to look well to our position. We must take care not to compromise ourselves. Calumny is ever active, and it may reach the ears of the Sov—”

"I am not a little astonished, I confess, at what I hear," interrupted M. Mauguin, the leader of the Mouvement, with indignation, and in deference, perhaps, to a murmur, which had interrupted the address of M. Dupin,-" I am not a little astonished, I confess, at what I hear. What! is there any one now who can seriously mention the word legality! Is the law obligatory only upon us, and is it to be violated at pleasure by the other side? The time has arrived when we are not to discuss whether this or that act be legal or illegal. The question now is between life and death, between liberty and slavery, between a constitutional government, and the régime of Madrid.”

This ebullition made a great sensation, and M. Sebastiani,-who only contemplated a change of ministry, which should give him a portfolio, and not a revolution which might assign to him the place only which he deserved,- entreated the assembly to be calm, and to be moderate.

MM. Laborde, Milleret, Bertin de Vaux, and

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Villemain supported the view taken by M. Mauguin. One of them proposed to write a letter to the King, offering their humble representations.

"Once for all," exclaimed M. Audry de Puyraveau (of the school of Mauguin), "I oppose all “ letters. A protest appears to me worthier of us."

"It is a very grave question," said M. Sebastiani, with an air of Oriental pomp,—like a sultan in a masquerade :-" I cannot help thinking, notwithstanding all that is urged, that the character of deputy has been destroyed by the Ordonnance of dissolution. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that we have been elected by the people; and, under these circumstances, we have at least the right of offering to his Majesty a respectful suggestion, either by the medium of a letter, or by an audience of his Majesty."

Great marks of hesitation; calls for M. Perier. M. Perier shrugged his shoulders, and looked perplexed.

At this moment M. Perier was called out. He returned in an instant, and visibly agitated.

"Gentlemen," he exclaimed, with great emotion and evident alarm; "Gentlemen, in the difficult position in which we are placed, it is necessary to conduct ourselves with the most scrupulous prudence; and, whatever we do, we should take

care to be unanimous, that whatever may be the result, there may, at any rate, be no individual scandal or examples. What do you think I have just learnt? Here is a committee of the Electors of Paris in attendance. Who has done this? — who has excited this deputation? Do you not all see the consequences? We shall compromise ourselves. What a position we are in! If we receive this deputation, it will immediately be known at the Tuilleries: they will be naturally very much offended, and it is impossible to say what steps they may take with regard to us. And if we refuse to receive the deputation, they will go and complain, and stir up the people: and who can answer for the consequences of popular excitement? Gentlemen, this is a very disagreeable affair, and particularly in my house: remember, I am a banker.”

M. Dupin." A deputation, Gentlemen! what What are you about? pray consider. do you conceive yourselves to be? You assemble here, you constitute a deliberative assembly, you appoint a President, you receive deputations: you are nothing you are only a party of private gentlemen."

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M. Labbey de Pompières. At such a moment, I should have thought no one would have

stopped to discuss empty forms; however, since you attack the president, I vacate the chair.”

Several Deputies.-"Oh! pray, pray, M. Labbey de Pompières, pray maintain order. There is nothing for it, but to receive this deputation.” "As you like, Gentlemen," said M. Casimir Perier, shrugging his shoulders.

The deputation, of whom Boulay de la Meurthe and Merilhou formed part, were now introduced. They read an insurrectionary address, which was received by the deputies with profound silence, and with visible alarm: Laborde alone whispering "Capital!"

After some whispering among the deputies, M. Labbey de Pompières informed the deputation that the assembly wished to deliberate upon their The deputation withdrew. Before they could well enter into the discussion another deputation arrived.

answer.

"They shall not come in," said M. Perier; "I will despatch them on the staircase:" and he accordingly quitted the room.

"Gentlemen, what do you want?” demanded M. Perier, in an irritable tone, from the top of the staircase.

A young Leader.-"Sir! we come here in the name of a numerous association, to offer to the

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