"At Plassans ?" Pierre, without replying, gave a long affirmative nod.

He enjoyed his consort's astonishment and emotion.
"But," she at last resumed, half sitting, "you would have to deposit an enormous sum as security.

I have heard that our neighbour, Monsieur Peirotte, had to deposit eighty thousand francs with the Treasury." "Eh!" said the retired oil-dealer, "that's nothing to do with me; Eugene will see to that.

He will get the money advanced by a banker in Paris.
You see, I selected an appointment bringing in a good income.

Eugene at first made a wry face, saying one must be rich to occupy such posts, to which influential men were usually nominated.