He could not go himself and preach the cause of Legitimacy to the petty traders and workmen of the old quarter; they would have hooted him.

Pierre, on the other hand, who had lived among these people, spoke their language and knew their wants, was able to catechise them in a friendly way.

He thus became an indispensable man.

In less than a fortnight the Rougons were more determined royalists than the king himself.

The marquis, perceiving Pierre's zeal, shrewdly sheltered himself behind him.