Nothing could be more characteristic of the two countries. Politics are the religion of France; as Nanty Ewart would have said, “A d⁠⸺⁠d bad religion”; while we, at home, keep most of our bitterness for little differences about a hymnbook, or a Hebrew word which perhaps neither of the parties can translate. And perhaps the misconception is typical of many others that may never be cleared up: not only between people of different race, but between those of different sex.

As for our friend’s martyrdom, he was a Communist, or perhaps only a Communard, which is a very different thing; and had lost one or more situations in consequence. I think he had also been rejected in marriage; but perhaps he had a sentimental way of considering business which deceived me. He was a mild, gentle creature, anyway; and I hope he has got a better situation, and married a more suitable wife since then.