Horses were pawing the ground with impatience, and the
uniforms of high functionaries and officers, embroidered with
gold and glittering with decorations, appeared at the windows
of the passing carriages.
* There's a nice show of tinsel and pewter I * sneered
Gilquin, with the smile of a man who cares nothing for gew-
gaws.
However, as a brougham came along from the Qu i de la
M6gisserie, he almost upset the table as he sprang up and
cried : * Hallo, Rougon I '

He saluted the great man with his gloved hand, and then,
fearing that he had not been recognised, snatched off his straw



8a HIS EXCELLENCY

hat and began to wave it. At this, Bougon, whose senatorial
uniform was attracting a deal of notice, quickly withdrew
to a comer of his brougham. And thereupon Gilquin began
to call him, raising his hand to his mouth and nsing it as a
speaking-trumpet. The people on the footway stopped and
turned to see what was the matter with this strange-looking
fellow dressed in yellow duck. At last, however, the coach-
man was able to urge his horse forward, and the brougham
turned on to the bridge of Notre Dame.
*• Do be quiet I ' said Madame Correur in a low voice, while
catching hold of Gilquin's arms.
