for liberty in Belgium? Have you heard that, by any chance?"
"Yes," said André-Louis coldly, masking his irritation before the other's hectoring manner. "I have heard that."
"Oh! And what do you think of it?" Arms akimbo, the Colossus towered above him.
André-Louis turned aside to Le Chapelier.
"I don't think I understand. Have you brought this gentleman here to examine my conscience?"
"Name of a name! He's prickly as a —— porcupine!" Danton protested.
"No, no." Le Chapelier was conciliatory, seeking to provide an antidote to the irritant administered by his companion. "We require your help, André. Danton here thinks that you are the very man for us. Listen now..."
"That's it. You tell him," Danton agreed. "You both talk the same mincing —— sort of French. He'll probably understand you."
Le Chapelier went on without heeding the interruption.
"This violation by the King of the obvious rights of a country engaged in framing a constitution that shall make it free has shattered every philanthropic illusion we still cherished. There are those who go so far as to proclaim the King the vowed enemy of France. But that, of course, is excessive."
"Who says so?" blazed Danton, and swore horribly by way of conveying his total disagreement.
Le Chapelier waved him into silence, and proceeded.
"Anyhow, the matter has been more than enough, added to all the rest, to set us by the ears again in the Assembly. It is open war between the Third Estate and the Privileged."
"Was it ever anything else?"
"Perhaps not; but it has assumed a new character. You'll have heard of the duel between Lameth and the Duc de Castries?"
"A trifling affair."
