Thereupon a vast wave of feeling passed over the crowd, and the tail

of horses in the rear ceased to interest. A supreme struggle was

beginning between Spirit, Nana, Lusignan and Valerio II. They were

pointed out; people estimated what ground they had gained or lost in

disconnected, gasping phrases. And Nana, who had mounted up on the

coach box, as though some power had lifted her thither, stood white

and trembling and so deeply moved as not to be able to speak. At

her side Labordette smiled as of old.