there; Burke, Sheridan, or Fox could not win seats. Even if
political majority had been fixed at one-and-twenty, and eligibility had
been relieved of every disabling qualification, the Departments would
have returned the very same members, men devoid of political talent,
unable to speak without murdering French grammar, and among whom, in ten
years, scarcely one statesman has been found.

"The causes of an impending event may be seen, but the event itself
cannot be foretold. At this moment the youth of France is being driven
into Republicanism, because it believes that the Republic would bring it
emancipation. It will always remember the young representatives of the
people and the young army leaders! The imprudence of the Government is
only comparable to its avarice."

That day left its echoes in our lives. Marcas confirmed us in our
resolution to leave France, where young men of talent and energy
are crushed under the weight of successful commonplace, envious, and
insatiable middle age.

We dined together in the Rue de la Harpe. We thenceforth felt for Marcas
the most respectful affection; he gave us the most practical aid in the
sphere of the mind. That man knew everything; he had studied everything.
For us he cast his eye over the whole civilized world, seeking the
country where openings would be at once the most abundant and the most
favorable to the success of our plans. He indicated what should be the
goal of our studies; he bid us make haste, explaining to us that time
was precious, that emigration would presently begin, and that its
effect would be to deprive France of the cream of its powers and of its
youthful talent; that their intelligence, necessarily sharpened, would
select the best places, and that the great thing was to be first in the
field.

Thenceforward, we often sat late at work under the lamp. Our generous
instructor wrote some notes for our guidance--two pages for Juste and
three for me--full of invaluable advice--the sort of information which
experience alone can supply, such landmarks as only genius can place. In
those papers, smelling of tobacco, and covered with writing so vile
as to be almost hieroglyphic, there are suggestions for a fortune, and
forecasts of unerring acumen. There are hints as to certain parts of
America and Asia which have been fully justified, both before and since
Juste and I could set out.

Marcas, like us, was in the most abject poverty. He earned, indeed, his
dai