But work
as he would, the 'shares' in his journalistic concerns were steadily
going down,--none of his numerous magazines or 'half-penny rags,' paid
so well as they had hitherto done; while the one paper which had lately
been so prominently used by the King, continued to prosper, the public
having now learned to accept with avidity and eagerness the brilliant
articles which bore the signature of Pasquin Leroy, as though they were
somewhat of a new political gospel. The charm of mystery intensified
this new writer's reputation. He was never seen in 'fashionable'
society,--no 'fashionable' person appeared to know him,--and the
general impression was that he resided altogether out of the country.
Only the members of the Revolutionary Committee were aware that he was
one of them, and recognised his work as part of the carrying out of his
sworn bond. He had grown to be almost the right hand of Sergius Thord;
wherever Thord sought supporters, he helped to obtain them,--wherever
the sick and needy, the desolate and distressed, required aid, he
somehow managed to secure it,--and next to Thord,--and of course Lotys,
--he was the idol of the Socialist centre. He never spoke in public,--
he seldom appeared at mass meetings; but his influence was always felt;
and he made himself and his work almost a necessity to the Cause.
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