We must organize a government of the few, a Senate for life, and an elective chamber the control of which shall be in our hands; for we ought to profit by the blunders of the past.' "'With such a system, there would be peace for me,' remarked the ex-bishop.
"'Find me a sure man to negotiate with Moreau; for the Army of the Rhine will be our sole resource,' cried Carnot, who had been plunged in meditation.
"Ah!" said de Marsay, pausing, "those men were right.

They were grand in this crisis.

I should have done as they did"; then he resumed his narrative.
"'Messieurs!' cried Sieyes, in a grave and solemn tone.
"That word 'Messieurs!' was perfectly understood by all present; all eyes expressed the same faith, the same promise, that of absolute silence, and unswerving loyalty to each other in case the First Consul returned triumphant.
"'We all know what we have to do,' added Fouche.
"Sieyes softly unbolted the door; his priestly ear had warned him.
Lucien entered the room.
"'Good news!' he said.

'A courier has just brought Madame Bonaparte a line from the First Consul.

The campaign has opened with a victory at Montebello.' "The three ministers exchanged looks.
"'Was it a general engagement ?' asked Carnot.
"'No, a fight, in which Lannes has covered himself with glory.