Eugene had chosen a good confidant for those troubled times, when the greatest discretion was necessary.

Pierre, flattered by his son's confidence, exaggerated that passive ponderosity which made him so impenetrable.

When Felicite saw she would not learn anything from him, she ceased to flutter round him.

On one point only did she remain inquisitive, but in this respect her curiosity was intense.

The two men had mentioned a price stipulated by Pierre himself.
What could that price be?
This after all was the sole point of interest for Felicite, who did not care a rap for political matters.