That incorruptible official--one of the virtuous dupes who are always admirably disinterested--was careful not to corrupt the men on whom the fate of the poor grocer depended; on the contrary, he endeavored to enlighten them.

Enlighten people in those days! As well might he have begged them to bring back the Bourbons.

The Girondist minister, who was then contending against Robespierre, said to his secretary, "Why do you meddle in the matter ?" and all others to whom the worthy Bridau appealed made the same atrocious reply: "Why do you meddle ?" Bridau then sagely advised Madame Descoings to keep quiet and await events.

But instead of conciliating Robespierre's housekeeper, she fretted and fumed against that informer, and even complained to a member of the Convention, who, trembling for himself, replied hastily, "I will speak of it to Robespierre." The handsome petitioner put faith in this promise, which the other carefully forgot.

A few loaves of sugar, or a bottle or two of good liqueur, given to the citoyenne Duplay would have saved Descoings.
This little mishap proves that in revolutionary times it is quite as dangerous to employ honest men as scoundrels; we should rely on ourselves alone.