w code of
distinction created, were discussed with a seriousness, mingled with the
wildest levity. That the road to these changes lay through blood, never
for a moment seemed to check the torrent of their speculations. Some
amused themselves by imaginary lists of proscriptions, giving the
names and titles of those they would recommend for the honours of the
guillotine.

'Every thing,' cried Guadet, 'everything that calls itself Duke,
Marquis, or Count.'

'Do not include the Barons, Henri, for my cook is of that degree, and I
could not spare him,' cried Viennet.

'Down with the aristocrat,' said several; 'he stands by his order, even
in his kitchen.'

'Nay,' broke in Viennet, 'I am the first of you all to reduce these
people to their becoming station.'

'Do not say so,' said Gensonne: 'the Marquis de Trillac has been a
gamekeeper on my property this year back.'

'Your property!' said Marat contemptuously. 'Your paternal estate was
a vegetable stall in the Marche aux Bois; and your ancestral chateau, a
room in the Pays Latin, five stories high.'

'You lived at the same house, in the cellar, Marat; and, by your own
account, it was I that descended to know you!'

'If he talks of property, I'll put him in _my_ list,' said Laroche. 'He
whose existence is secure is unworthy to live.'

'A grand sentiment that,' said another; 'let us drink it!' and they
arose and drained their glasses to the toast.

'The Duc de Dampierre, has any one got him down?' asked Guadet.

'I have '--' and I '--' and I,' said several together.

'I demand a reprieve for the Duke,' said another. 'I was at college with
him at Nantes, and he is a good fellow, and kind-hearted.'

'Miserable patriot,' said Guadet, laughing, 'that can place his personal
sympathies against the interests of the State.'

'_Parbleu!_' cried Laroche, looking over his neighbour's arm. 'Gensonne
has got Robespierre's name down!'

'And why not? I detest him. Menard was right when he called him a "_Loup
en toilette de bal!_"'

'What a list Menard has here!' said Guadet, holding it up, as he read
aloud. 'All who have served the court, or whose families have, for
the last three generations--all who employ court tailors, barbers,
shoemakers, or armourers----'

'Pray add, all whose names can be traced to baptismal registries, or who
are alleged to have been born in wedlock,' said Lescour. 'Let us efface
the vile aristocracy effectually!'

'Your sneer is a weak sarcasm