those pages from Rousseau you read us yesterday. They were so soothing. I heard the sound of your voice—and those beautiful words. I know them by heart!
Robespierre [reciting, with an air of affectionate melancholy, and with great sincerity]. "The communion of hearts gives to sadness something inexplicably sweet and touching, and friendship is the especial gift to the unfortunate for the assuagement of their woes and the consolation of their sufferings." [Éléonore, her hand in his, says nothing, but she smiles and blushes.] You say nothing?
Éléonore [reciting]. "Can anything that one says to one's friend ever equal what one feels by his side?"
Madame Duplay [outside]. Maximilien, here is Saint-Just. [Éléonore runs out. Saint-Just enters. Robespierre greets him. They shake hands as if they had been separated only a very short time.]
Saint-Just. How are you?
Robespierre. How are you, Saint-Just? [They sit down.]
Saint-Just [gazing calmly at Robespierre]. I am very glad to see you again.
Robespierre. Le Bas writes us that it was only by the barest chance that we see you again.
Saint-Just. Yes. [A pause.] We need arms there; the army lacks muskets.
Robespierre. We are manufacturing them. All of Paris is at work. They have set up blacksmith shops in the churches. All other work is at a standstill.
