or repartee since you were young. Your brilliance is enough to inspire everyone," he said, looking at her intently.

"I suppose that''s a compliment," Edith shrugged, "but what''s the use? The articles of Citizeness Lucile are first-rate as well, but they can only be published under her husband''s name. Even the great Citizeness Roland cannot become the centre to drive the debate. It''s so unfair!"

"Do you want more people to hear your voice? I''ve got some savings, enough to start a newspaper dedicated to publishing your essays. How about that?"

"Really?!" Edith''s exclamation attracted many curious glances even in the noisy hallway.

Andre smiled at her and said, "Since you''re willing, why not come together to my place?"

-----------------

Andre''s small room was located in an old-times official''s mansion that had been converted since the revolution into an apartment building for patriots.

The room was situated in a mezzanine built between floors, with a ceiling so low that it almost forced one to stoop.

The girl looked around excitedly. "I thought that with your income now, you would at least be living in better conditions than before."

"Well, since I''m living alone, there''s no need to furnish the place," Andre replied.

"You''re not painting anymore? The room is full of files and manuscripts."

"Painting cannot save France," Andre chuckled. "Certainly, I don''t mean to satirize the patriots in the Committee of Art. Art is still necessary for education."

"I need to come up with