Alexandre Dumas

Ange Pitou.volume 1 Alexandre Dumas

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXI. MADAME DE STAEL. When Gilbert resumed his place in the hackney coach by the side of Billot and opposite to Pitou, he was pale, and the perspiration was standing in large drops on his forehead. But it was not in the nature of this man to remain for any time overwhelmed by any emotion whatsoever. He threw himself back into the corner of the carriage, pressed both his hands to his forehead as if he wished to repress the boiling thoughts which raged within it, and after remaining a few moments motionless, he withdrew his hands, and instead of an agitated countenance, he exhibited features which were particularly calm. "You told me, I think, my dear Monsieur Billot, that the king had dismissed Monsieur de Necker?" "Yes, indeed, Monsieur Gilbert/' "And that the commotions in Paris originated in some measure from the disgrace of the minister 1" "Very much." "And you added that Monsieur de Necker had immediately left Versailles." "He received the king's letter while at dinner. In an hour afterwards he was on the road to Brussels." "Where he is now 1" "Or ought to be." "Did you not hear it said that he had stopped somewhere on the road 1" "Oh, yes; he stopped at St. Ouen, in order to take leave of his daughter, the Baroness de Stab'l." "Did Madame de Stael go with him 1" "I was told that he and his wife alone set out for Brussels." "Coachman!" cried Gilbert, " stop at the first tailor's shop you see." "You wish to change your coat?" said Billot. "Yes. In good sooth, this one smells too much of its contact with the walls of the Bastille; and a man cannot in such a dress discreetly pay a visit to the daughter of an ex-minister in disgrace. Search your pockets, and see if you cannot find a few louis for me." "Ho, ho!" cried the farmer,...