They thought to gain everything--they find they have got nothing; and so they will cry for more and more change, their fury will run higher and higher with each disappointment, and who can say to what lengths they will go?
They have already confiscated the property of the church, next will come that of the laity." "I had no idea you were such a prophet of evil, abbe," the marquis said with an uneasy laugh, while feelings of gloom and anxiety fell over the others who heard the abbe's words.
"God forbid that I should be a prophet!" the old man said gravely.
"I hope and trust that I am mistaken, and that He has not reserved this terrible punishment for France.

But you asked me for my opinion, marquis, and I have given it to you." Despite these forebodings the winter of 1790 passed without disturbance at the chateau.
In the spring came news of disorder, pillage, and acts of ruffianism in various parts.

Chateaux and convents were burned and destroyed, and people refused to pay either their taxes or rents to their landlords.

In the south the popular excitement was greater than in other parts.

In Burgundy there was for the most part tranquility; and the marquis, who had always been regarded as an indulgent seigneur by the people of his estate, still maintained that these troubles only occurred where the proprietors had abused their privileges and ground down the people..