"But the nation's longing is for health and strength and restoration to its old position by work.

That is a thing the Church does not understand.

It argues that if France was stricken with defeat, it was because she deserved punishment.

She was guilty, and so to-day she ought to repent.

Repent of what?
Of the Revolution, of a century of free examination and science, of the emancipation of her mind, of her initiatory and liberative labour in all parts of the world?
That indeed is her real transgression; and it is as a punishment for all our labour, search for truth, increase of knowledge and march towards justice that they have reared that huge pile which Paris will see from all her streets, and will never be able to see without feeling derided and insulted in her labour and glory." With a wave of his hand he pointed to the city, slumbering in the moonlight as beneath a sheet of silver, and then set off again with his brother, down the slopes, towards the black and deserted streets.
They did not meet a living soul until they reached the outer boulevard.
Here, however, no matter what the hour may be, life continues with scarcely a pause.