He described Prince Louis Bonaparte to his father as the predestined necessary man who alone could unravel the situation.

He had believed in him prior even to his return to France, at a time when Bonapartism was treated as a ridiculous chimera.

Felicite understood that her son had been a very active secret agent since 1848.

Although he did not clearly explain his position in Paris, it was evident that he was working for the Empire, under the orders of personages whose names he mentioned with a sort of familiarity.

Each of his letters gave information as to the progress of the cause, to which an early denouement was foreshadowed; and usually concluded by pointing out the line of action that Pierre should pursue at Plassans.