In the meantime, Courfeyrac and Bossuet have left; Feuilly has left; Joly has gotten so far as putting on his coat, but has been diverted into an argument about the Opera with Bahorel. Jean Prouvaire is listening, contributing rarely, mostly attempting to write a poem in a small notebook.

Enjolras and Combeferre, from discussing the revolutionary society of Picpus, have moved to the question of the ideal speed of revolution itself; familiar philosophical ground, but engrossing nonetheless.