r
any of the others I must resign that fancy. I am also enjoined to
publish in the newspapers on the day of my departure the fact that
I present myself as candidate in the electoral arrondissement of
Arcis-sur-Aube; avoiding, however, to make any profession of political
faith, which would be both useless and premature. The document ended
with an injunction which, while it humiliated me somewhat, gave me a
certain faith in what was happening. The Mongenod Brothers, and draw for
another sum of two hundred and fifty thousand francs, which _is to
be_ deposited in my name, "taking the utmost care," continued my
instructions, "when transporting this money from Paris to Arcis-sur-Aube
that it be not lost or stolen."

What do you think of that last clause, dear friend? That sum _is to
be_ deposited; then it is not already there; and suppose it is not
there?--Besides, what am I to do with it in Arcis? Am I to stand my
election on English principles? if so, a profession of political faith
would certainly be useless and premature. As to the advice not to lose
or allow to be stolen the money in my possession, do you not think that
that is making me rather juvenile? I feel an inclination to suck my
thumb and cry for a rattle. However, I shall let myself go with the
current that is bearing me along, and, notwithstanding the news of your
coming arrival, after paying a visit to the Brothers Mongenod, I shall
valiantly start, imagining the stupefaction of the good people of
Arcis on seeing another candidate pop up in their midst like a
Jack-in-the-box.

In Paris I have already fired my gun. The "National" has announced my
candidacy in the warmest terms; and it seems that this evening, in the
house of the Minister of the Interior, where Monsieur de l'Estorade was
dining, I was discussed at some length. I ought to add that, according
to Monsieur de l'Estorade, the general impression is that I shall
certainly fail of election. The ministry might possibly fear a candidate
from the Left centre; but as for the democratic party to which I am
supposed to belong, they do not even allow that it exists. The Left
centre candidate has, however, been disposed of by a ministerial envoy
of the ablest and most active description, and at this moment, when I
set off my small balloon, the election of the Conservative candidate is
pretty well assured.

Among the elements of my inevitable defeat, Monsieur de l'Estorade
condescended to mention a matter ab