her forehead full, looked resolute with her rich brown eyebrows and hair, yet a reassuring smile always lifted the corner of her mouth.

"This is Edith Travis, my young friend. Her brother is Citizen Philippe Percy, deputy in the National Convention," Lucile introduced her to Madame Roland.

"Edith Travis," Madame Roland smiled as she pronounced the name. "I have heard of you, cherie. They call you ''Lady Liberty,'' don''t they?"

Edith smiled sheepishly as she recalled her triumphant moment on Bastille Day.

Her idol took her by the hand, sat down together at a small table on the side.

Around the long table and on the sofas sat elite figures from various factions. Since the issue of dealing with the former king had recently become a focus, the debate of these men was particularly heated.

Madame Roland noticed Edith''s rapt attention to the conversations taking place in the centre, reaching out across the table towards her.

"I can see that you and I share similar experience, right? My young lady. I possess unfortunately more wit than my husband and these men present. Yet while they deliver their harangues, I must constantly hold my tongue to prevent the thoughts and opinions surging in my breast from pouring out. Alas, for women like us with intelligence and knowledge, is it luck or affliction to be born in this era?"

"I know that you are the brain of the Girondins. Can''t even you participate in those discussions?" Edith said indignantly.

Madame Roland shook her head with a bitter smile.

"I can onl