"Ah! I know what it means!" exclaimed Count Saurau, gnashing his
teeth. "Your enemies have instigated these scoundrels. The party
that would like to overthrow you and me, that wants to make peace
with France at any price, and to keep Belgium united with Austria--
this party has hired the villains below to get up a riot. They want
to compel your excellency either to resign or to comply with the
wishes of the people, and make peace with the French Republic."

Thugut laughed. "Compel ME!" said he, laconically.

At that moment the mob yelled louder than ever, and the shout--
"Peace! we want peace!" shook the windows.

Simultaneously the furious blows against the front door redoubled in
violence.

"Assuredly, I cannot stand this any longer!" exclaimed the police
minister, perfectly beside himself. "I ought not to listen quietly
to this outrage."

"No," said Thugut, very quietly, "we won't listen to it any longer.
This is my breakfast-hour, and I invite you to be my guest. Come,
let us go to the dining-room."

He took the count's arm, and proceeded with him to the adjoining
room. Breakfast for eight persons was served in this room, for Baron
Thugut was in the habit of keeping every day open table for seven
uninvited guests, and his intimate acquaintances, as well as his
special favorites, never failed to call on the minister at least