Saint-Just. He was Lafayette's friend. Mirabeau bought him. He corresponded with Dumouriez and Wimpfen. He flattered Orléans. Every enemy of the Revolution was on familiar terms with him.
Robespierre. You must not exaggerate!
Saint-Just. You yourself told me. I should never have known otherwise.
Robespierre. Of course, but—
Billaud-Varenne [violently]. Do you deny it?
Robespierre. I cannot. Danton was an assiduous member of those Royalists gatherings, where Orléans himself mixed the punch. Fabre and Wimpfen, too, were present. They tried to bring the Deputies of the Mountain, to seduce and compromise them. But that was of no importance.
Billaud-Varenne. On the contrary! It was high treason. Out and out conspiracy!
Robespierre. I have just thought of a small detail. It seems that lately he boasted that if he were accused he would throw the blame on us for the Dauphin affair.
Billaud-Varenne. The blackguard! Did he say that? And you defend him?
Robespierre. Westermann just left this room. He threatened me with Danton, and an uprising.
Billaud-Varenne. And we sit here talking! The marauders are still at large!
Robespierre. Do you want him?
Saint-Just. The nation wants him.
Vadier [aside]. The hypocrite! He wants him, too! But we must persuade him!
Robespierre. He was a great man. At least, he
