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Rh otherwise have been; and it is painful to reflect that the man whom she often honoured with the name of brother was the only one who proved untrue to her in adversity. He had been quite contented with her friendship as long as no one else was more favoured than himself; but when, some years later, he discovered that others were preferred, he not only turned against her, but against her whole party. In so doing poor Lanthenas saved himself from sharing the fate of his Girondin friends; but at what a price! His name, having been included in the list of the proscribed, was struck out by Marat, who declared him to be a mean-spirited creature (pauvre d'esprit). Lanthenas had once written, "When the people are ripe for liberty a nation is always worthy of it." This foolish phrase turned out clever enough, for it saved his neck eventually. But Lanthenas, if not over-wise, was one of those useful men who can serve a cause well by their zeal and activity on its behalf. Bancal des Issarts, a man of strong, resolute character, had thrown up his profession of notary in order to devote himself more completely to the political questions of the day. In 1789 he had been chosen elector of Clermont-Ferrand, and, in the summer of 1790, became acquainted with the Rolands, when he passed a few days with them at the Clos de la Platière.

Similarity of interests and tastes suggested the plan of their all living together, and, in view of the contemplated association, Madame Roland addressed the following prudent remarks to Bancal: "For the happiness of an establishment in common, either in the country or elsewhere, it is not necessary to find perfect men—that would, be seeking chimerical conditions; but it is as necessary to know each other well as it is