Section 101. THE DRAMA OF THE FRENCH[1] REVOLUTION OF 1848. I.
Reading edition
Section 101. THE DRAMA OF THE FRENCH[1] REVOLUTION OF 1848. I.
Our first scene is a palace; the period[2] winter; the time[3] morning, and the weather cold and miserable[4]. It is ten o’clock, and the King of France with his wife[5] and family are[6] discovered at the breakfast table. A splendid beginning! Calmness[7] is the prevailing expression of every countenance save one—the king’s daughter-in-law[8], who looks anxious and disturbed. Light[9] domestic talk, such as[10] becomes princes and the gilded roof that[11] overhangs them, occupies[12] the moments. Hush[13]! Whilst the lacqueys, dressed (S. 7, N. 3, A) in gold and scarlet, move[14] noiselessly about the room, a noise is heard without[15]. It[16] becomes more[17] audible by degrees. Suddenly the door flies open, and two[18] men enter, pale as ghosts. They[19] are Ministers of State (S. 76, N. 22, A). They have news to communicate. Discontent prevails in the city; the[20] populace are out; the dragoons have surrendered their sabres, the soldiers their arms, within[21] sight of the apartment in which the king had just now enjoyed his meal, and his daughter-in-law had looked[22] so sad.