lightly on its edge, and gave proof of his boldness by delivering the
following speech without the slightest embarrassment, and somewhat
after the manner of the illustrious Monsieur Thiers.

"Messieurs, it was not I who made that proposal for parliamentary
usage; nevertheless I can conceive that an assemblage of some sixty
notabilities of Champagne needs a chairman to guide it; for no flock
can get on without a shepherd. If we had voted for secret balloting, I
am certain that the name of our excellent mayor would have been
returned unanimously. His opposition to the candidate put forward by
his relations proves to us that he possesses civic courage in the
highest degree, inasmuch as he has dared to free himself from the
closest ties--those of family. Patriotism before family! that is
indeed so great an effort that, to make it, we are forced to believe
that Brutus from his realm of justice still contemplates us after the
lapse of two thousand, five hundred and some years. It seemed natural
to Maitre Giguet, who had the merit of divining our wishes in the
choice of a chairman, to guide us still further in electing
inspectors; but, if I am not mistaken, you think with me that once is
enough--and you are right. Our mutual friend, Simon Giguet, who
intends to offer himself as candidate, would have the air of assuming
mastery, and he might, consequently, lose in our minds the good-will
we should otherwise bestow upon a modest attitude like that of his
venerable father. Now what is our worthy chairman doing at this moment
by accepting the method of presiding suggested to him by the
candidate? He is depriving us of our liberty! I ask you: is it proper
that the chairman of our choice should tell us to nominate, by rising
or sitting, inspectors of the ballot thus forced upon us? Have we any
liberty of choice? If I were proposed, I believe all present would
rise out of politeness; indeed, we should all feel bound to rise for