n was that a pamphlet be issued setting
forth the committee's views on the dearth with which Tuscany was
threatened and the measures which should be taken to meet it. The
matter was a somewhat difficult one to decide, because, as usual, the
committee's views upon the subject were much divided. The more advanced
section, to which Gemma, Martini, and Riccardo belonged, was in favour
of an energetic appeal to both government and public to take adequate
measures at once for the relief of the peasantry. The moderate
division--including, of course, Grassini--feared that an over-emphatic
tone might irritate rather than convince the ministry.

"It is all very well, gentlemen, to want the people helped at once," he
said, looking round upon the red-hot radicals with his calm and pitying
air. "We most of us want a good many things that we are not likely to
get; but if we start with the tone you propose to adopt, the government
is very likely not to begin any relief measures at all till there is
actual famine. If we could only induce the ministry to make an inquiry
into the state of the crops it would be a step in advance."

Galli, in his corner by the stove, jumped up to answer his enemy.

"A step in advance--yes, my dear sir; but if there's going to be a
famine, it won't wait for us to advance at that pace. The people might
all starve before we got to any actual relief."

"It would be interesting to know----" Sacconi began; but several voices
interrupted him.

"Speak up; we can't hear!"

"I should think not, with such an infernal row in the street," said
Galli, irritably. "Is that window shut, Riccardo? One can't hear one's
self speak!"

Gemma looked round. "Yes," she said, "the window is quite shut. I think
there is a variety show, or some such thing, passing."

The sounds of shouting and laughter, of the tinkling of bells and
trampling of feet, resounded from the street below, mixed with the
braying of a villainous brass band and the unmerciful banging of a drum.

"It can't be helped these few days," said Riccardo; "we must expect
noise at Christmas time. What were you saying, Sacconi?"

"I said it would be interesting to hear what is thought about the matter
in Pisa and Leghorn. Perhaps Signor Rivarez can tell us something; he
has just come from there."

The Gadfly did not answer. He was staring out of the window and appeared
not to have heard what had been said.

"Signor Rivarez!" said Gemma. She was the only pe