Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/236

246 us, to obtain for us breathing-room, and, if possible, to aid us in leaving this place. Now, for the first time, he became aware how the people from without were crushing into this passage, whence there was no exit, and caused a crush, which most certainly would in some minutes have placed many in peril of their lives. He immediately commanded the soldiers, who were French, to clear the passage forcibly and compel the advancing stream to turn back.

In a moment we had breathing room, and a few minutes afterwards were able to move and think about escaping from the trap. The French officer, after having defended us from the press, conducted us with the greatest kindness and politeness out of the disagreeable passage; the French soldiers also assisted us kindly and politely down the flight of steps, and thus we at length reached an open space, where, in perfect ease, we were able to see the fireworks extremely well.

When our deliverer left us in order to return to his post, I besought him to let us know his name; and if M. Louis Girard should by chance hear of this. my narrative, I beg of him to accept once more in these pages a cordial acknowledgment of the chivalric politeness, the manly kindness with which he behaved in protecting two solitary ladies who were totally unknown to him.

We were now able in perfect peace and freedom to witness the magnificent fireworks, the fiery dragons and rockets of which rushed above the square. Jenny no longer wept, but laughed at herself, and at every thing. I, on the contrary, felt myself again