To cover her discomfiture she returned to the subject of politics.
"We talk a great deal of our convictions," she said; "but in the meanwhile we must acknowledge that we have accomplished nothing at all.
What is the good of our meeting here two or three times a-week, meeting in society, whispering together, corresponding in cipher, and doing all manner of things, when everything goes on just the same as before ?" "Better give it up and join Don Giovanni and his party," returned Del Ferice, with a sneer.

"He says if a change comes he will make the best of it.

Of course, we could not do better." "With us it is so easy," said Gouache, thoughtfully.

"A handful of students, a few paving-stones, 'Vive la Republique!' and we have a tumult in no time." That was not the kind of revolution in which Del Ferice proposed to have a hand.

He meditated playing a very small part in some great movement; and when the fighting should be over, he meant to exaggerate the part he had played, and claim a substantial reward.