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CHAPTER V
ORIGINALITY OF PARIS
During the last two years, as we have said, Paris had wit-
nessed more than one insurrection. Nothing is, generally,
more singularly calm than the physiognomy of Paris during
an uprising beyond the bounds of the rebellious quarters.
Paris very speedily accustoms herself to anything,—it is
only a riot,—and Paris has so many affairs on hand, that
she does not put herself out for so small a matter. These co-
lossal cities alone can offer such spectacles. These immense
enclosures alone can contain at the same time civil war and
an odd and indescribable tranquillity. Ordinarily, when
an insurrection commences, when the shop-keeper hears
the drum, the call to arms, the general alarm, he contents
himself with the remark:—
‘There appears to be a squabble in the Rue Saint-Mar-
t in.’
Or:—
‘In the Faubourg Saint-Antoine.’
Often he adds carelessly:—
‘Or somewhere in that direction.’
Later on, when the heart-rending and mournful hubbub