nd Indivisible."

It was no use arguing or appealing; our only hope lay in civility.

"Citizen host," said I, "is quite right, and the ladies are grateful for
his consideration. Their name is Lestrange. They know nothing of
Citizen Cazin or his baggage, and they bid adieu to the Hotel Lambert
forthwith."

The cunning landlord, having gained his ends, returned to his civility.

"The ladies," said he, "are wise. But they will do well to put on the
garments of plain citoyennes, which I can provide, in exchange for what
they wear; otherwise they may be traced. That done, they will do well
to leave my poor house on foot with the young Citoyen Lestrange," (here
he pointed to me), "and forget to return."

It was good advice, though it went to my heart to see my mistresses
further robbed. But when presently they appeared in the plain garb of
common Parisiennes I confess I felt relieved, for no one who saw them
would suspect them of being foreign ladies, though any one would be
bound to admit they were two very fair women. As for me, I was not long
in bartering my livery coat for the blue blouse of a workman; and thus
that afternoon, as the light was beginning to fail, and all the world
was talking of the execution of the beautiful Madame Roland, which was
to take place in the morning, three humble persons quitted the side door
of the Hotel Lambert and bent their steps dolefully towards the bridge
that led across to the Quai near the Island of the City, once known as
Quai Necker.

We hoped that here at least we should find a retreat until it was
possible to consider what next should be done.

Leaving the ladies to inspect the stalls which lined the river, I
ascended first to announce their arrival; but half-way up the long
stairs I encountered a middle-aged woman with sour, haggard face, who
demanded my business.

"I desire to see Madame Lestrange, who lives on the highest stage," said
I.

"Madame Lestrange lives there no longer," said she with a shrug. "Last
night she and her husband and their servant were put under arrest on the
accusation of Depute Duport, for holding connection during his life with
the traitor Sillery."

"Arrested!" exclaimed I, staggered at the news.

"Arrested," said she dryly, "and are now at the Austin Convent. To-
morrow, perhaps, we may hear of them at the Place."

This was too terrible, but I durst not betray my horror.

"Then," said I, "if that is so, the top stage is vacant.