Pagina 513 de 896

In the howling universe of passion and contention that seemed to

encompass this grim old officer conspicuous in his grey coat and

red decoration, there was but one quite steady figure, and that

was a woman's. "See, there is my husband!" she cried, pointing

him out. "See Defarge!" She stood immovable close to the grim old

officer, and remained immovable close to him; remained immovable

close to him through the streets, as Defarge and the rest bore

him along; remained immovable close to him when he was got near

his destination, and began to be struck at from behind; remained

immovable close to him when the long-gathering rain of stabs and

blows fell heavy; was so close to him when he dropped dead under

it, that, suddenly animated, she put her foot upon his neck, and

with her cruel knife--long ready--hewed off his head.