As for industrial labour, it is represented almost entirely by three or four evil-smelling tanyards, a felt hat manufactory, and some soap-boiling works, which last are relegated to a corner of the Faubourg.

This little commercial and industrial world, though it may on high days and holidays visit the people of the new district, generally takes up its quarters among the operatives of the old town.

Merchants, retail traders, and artisans have common interests which unite them together.

On Sundays only, the masters make themselves spruce and foregather apart.

On the other hand, the labouring classes, which constitute scarcely a fifth of the population, mingle with the idlers of the district.
It is only once a week, and during the fine weather, that the three districts of Plassans come together face to face.