"Vuillet has his good points," he calmly replied.
On parting from his brother, Aristide felt more perplexed than before.
Eugene must certainly have been making game of him, for Vuillet was really the most abominable person imaginable.

However, he determined to be prudent and not tie himself down any more; for he wished to have his hands free should he ever be called upon to help any party in strangling the Republic.
Eugene, on the morning of his departure, an hour before getting into the diligence, took his father into the bedroom and had a long conversation with him.

Felicite, who remained in the drawing-room, vainly tried to catch what they were saying.

They spoke in whispers, as if they feared lest a single word should be heard outside.

When at last they quitted the bedroom they seemed in high spirits.