This bustling little man, who had everything to gain from the return of his legitimate sovereigns, worked assiduously for their cause.
While the wealthy nobility of the Saint-Marc quarter were slumbering in mute despair, fearing, perhaps that they might compromise themselves and again be condemned to exile, he multiplied himself, as it were, spread the propaganda and rallied faithful ones together.

He was a weapon whose hilt was held by an invisible hand.

From that time forward he paid daily visits to the Rougons.

He required a centre of operations.

His relative, Monsieur de Valqueyras, had forbidden him to bring any of his associates into his house, so he had chosen Felicite's yellow drawing-room.
Moreover, he very soon found Pierre a valuable assistant.