What was the use of making himself conspicuous, when a man with such broad shoulders was willing to bear on them the burden of all the follies of a party?
He allowed Pierre to reign, puff himself out with importance and speak with authority, content to restrain or urge him on, according to the necessities of the cause.

Thus, the old oil-dealer soon became a personage of mark.

In the evening, when they were alone, Felicite used to say to him: "Go on, don't be frightened.

We're on the right track.

If this continues we shall be rich; we shall have a drawing-room like the tax-receiver's, and be able to entertain people." A little party of Conservatives had already been formed at the Rougons' house, and meetings were held every evening in the yellow drawing-room to declaim against the Republic.
Among those who came were three or four retired merchants who trembled for their money, and clamoured with all their might for a wise and strong government.