The sky over Paris on the morning of May 24th held the color of copper neither gold nor gray, as though waiting to decide what kind of day it would be.
In the Ministry of War, a sharp crack broke the peace as Moreau closed his watch case and turned toward the room behind him.
The bulletin pinned to the board near the map wall confirmed that even with him flapping the butterfly wings.
What is supposed to happen will happen.
Like some of his student used to say something about a cannon event.
LÉON BLUM ELECTED PRIME MINISTER
Left-Wing Popular Front Secures Parliamentary Majority
Renaud leaned over the side table, pouring two glasses of black coffee from a thermos.
He slid one toward Moreau. "Three eighty-six seats. That's a landslide."
Major Charles de Gaulle entered, still dusted with the morning's drill.
"And the first socialist to take Matignon... also the first Jew," he said dryly.
"The Right won't sleep for a month."
