He does not appear to me to be cut out for carrying on the role of a martyr for any length of time." However, in her eagerness to point out the right way to her family, now that she believed herself in possession of the truth, Felicite even sought to convert her son Pascal.

The doctor, with the egotism of a scientist immersed in his researches, gave little heed to politics.
Empires might fall while he was making an experiment, yet he would not have deigned to turn his head.

He at last yielded, however, to certain importunities of his mother, who accused him more than ever of living like an unsociable churl.
"If you were to go into society," she said to him, "you would get some well-to-do patients.

Come, at least, and spend some evenings in our drawing-room.

You will make the acquaintance of Messieurs Roudier, Granoux, and Sicardot, all gentlemen in good circumstances, who will pay you four or five francs a visit.