His distress was not only
because of his selfish thought as to how the catastrophe was going to
affect his plans with Marguerite. He was suddenly discovering that
in this hour of uncertainty he loved France. He recognized it as his
father's native land and the scene of the great Revolution. . . .
Although he had never mixed in political campaigns, he was a republican
at heart, and had often ridiculed certain of his friends who adored
kings and emperors, thinking it a great sign of distinction.
Argensola tried to cheer him up.
"Who knows? . . . This is a country of surprises. One must see the
Frenchman when he tries to remedy his want of foresight. Let that
barbarian of a cousin of yours say what he will--there is order, there
is enthusiasm. . . . Worse off than we were those who lived in the days
before Valmy. Entirely disorganized, their only defense battalions of
laborers and countrymen handling a gun for the first time. . . . But,
nevertheless, the Europe of the old monarchies could not for twenty
years free themselves from these improvised warriors!"
CHAPTER V
IN WHICH APPEAR THE FOUR HORSEMEN
The two friends now lived a feverish life, considerably accelerated by
the rapidity with which events succeeded each other. Every hour brought
forth an astonishing bit of news--generally false--which changed
opinions very suddenly.
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