The habitual expression of this visage was that of superficial serenity on a serious mind, and a smile wavering betwixt sarcasm and condescension.

There was softness, but of a sinister character.

The prevailing characteristic of this countenance was the prodigious and continual tension of brow, eyes, mouth, and all the facial muscles; in regarding him it was perceptible that the whole of his features, like the labour of his mind, converged incessantly on a single point with such power that there was no waste of will in his temperament, and he appeared to foresee all he desired to accomplish, as though he had already the reality before his eyes.

Such then was the man destined to absorb in himself all those men, and make them his victims after he had used them as his instruments.

He was of no party, but of all parties which in their turn served his ideal of the Revolution.