He was preferred a thousand times to Cavaignac, and the whole reactionary party had voted for him.

But they regarded him rather as an accomplice than a friend; and, as such, they distrusted him, and even began to accuse him of a desire to keep for himself the chestnuts which he had pulled out of the fire.

On that particular evening, however, owing to the fighting at Rome, they listened with favour to the praises of Pierre and the commander.
The group led by Granoux and Roudier already demanded that the President should order all republican rascals to be shot; while the marquis, leaning against the mantelpiece, gazed meditatively at a faded rose on the carpet.

When he at last lifted his head, Pierre, who had furtively watched his countenance as if to see the effect of his words, suddenly ceased speaking.

However, Monsieur de Carnavant merely smiled and glanced at Felicite with a knowing look.