160 SPOUTING IN BOTH HEMISPHERES. 



his "hands. Monsieur, the grand huntsman appears at this 

 moment at the end of the gallery. The group breaks up, 

 and many of them advance to meet him. 



In positions of difficulty and emergency, it is always 

 agreeable to find oneself in the society of energetic and 

 superior men. Their presence seems providential a pro- 

 tection in danger, and a counsel in distress. All our hopes 

 are concentrated in them, and we fancy we can read in 

 their countenances what will be the upshot of coming 

 events. 



M. de Girardin, to whom almost every one rendered 

 justice for his courage, intelligence, and character, arrived 

 very apropos to give a decided impulse to all these floating 

 and uncertain opinions. 



"Well, general," was the universal question, "what do 

 you think of the present state of affairs V 



M. de Girardin, who did not think, as it was rather 

 late, there was much time to enter into long details, com- 

 pressed his ideas in a few words, with which he absolutely 

 petrified his audience. 



" I think, gentlemen, that, thanks to the king's ministers, 

 his Majesty is convinced that there are only two methods 

 of quitting his kingdom the first, ignominiously expelled; 

 the second, valiantly defended ; and that the king, as a true 

 gentleman, has chosen the latter." 



At this moment the king left the chapel, passing through 

 a double row of gentlemen and courtiers. The satisfaction 

 that reigned upon his countenance struck every beholder, 

 and such was his confidence in the course he had pursued, 

 that he did not perceive the consternation that evidently 

 filled all those around him ; which, indeed, had he perceived, 

 he would have been at a loss to ascertain the motive. He 

 announced to M. de Girardin and the assembled court that 

 he was about to enter his carriage. 



