irst, in
'48, to hail the republic: princes and kings, according to him, were
made to be fleeced; if they objected, what was the good of having a
monarchy?

The popular idol in France must distribute largesse, and distribute it
individually, or be profitable in some other way. Greed, personal
interest, underlies most of the political strife in France. During one
of the riots, so common in the reign of Louis-Philippe, Mimi-Lepreuil, a
well-known clever pick-pocket, was shouting with all his might, "Vive
Louis-Philippe! a bas la Republique!" As a rule, gentlemen of his
profession are found on the plebeian side, and one of the
superintendents of police on duty, who had closely watched him, inquired
into the reason of his apostasy. "I am sick of your Republicans," was
the answer. "I come here morning after morning"--it happened on the
Place de la Bourse,--"and dip my hands into a score of pockets without
finding a red cent. During the Revolution of July, at the funeral of
General Lamarque, I did not make my expenses. Give me a royal procession
to make money." These were his politics.

It would be difficult to say what the Duc d'Orleans would have done, had
he lived to ascend the throne. One thing is certain, however, that on
the day of his death, genuine tears stood in the eyes of all classes,
except the Legitimists. As I have already said, they ascribed the fatal
accident to God's vengeance for the usurpation of his father. "If this
be the case," said an irreverent but witty journalist, "it argues but
very little providence on the part of _your Providence_, for now He will
have to keep the peace between the Duc de Berri, the Duc de Reichstadt,
and the Duc d'Orleans."

CHAPTER X.

The Revolution of '48 -- The beginning of it -- The National
Guards in all their glory -- The Cafe Gregoire on the Place du
Caire -- The price of a good breakfast in '48 -- The palmy days
of the Cuisine Bourgeoise -- The excitement on the Boulevards on
Sunday, February 20th, '48 -- The theatres -- A ball at
Poirson's, the erstwhile director of the Gymnase -- A lull in the
storm -- Tuesday, February 22nd -- Another visit to the Cafe
Gregoire -- On my way thither -- The Comedie-Francaise closes its
doors -- What it means, according to my old tutor -- We are
waited upon by a sergeant and corporal -- We are no longer
"messieurs," but "citoyens" -- An eye to the main chance -- The