These two were made to understand one another, and they indulged in the same despairing gestures and furious complaints, declaring that government, like business, would no longer be possible if men were required to show such virtue as they did not possess.

At all times, and under every _regime_, when a decision of the Chambers had been required in connection with some great enterprise, had not the natural and legitimate tactics been for one to do what might be needful to secure that decision?
It was absolutely necessary that one should obtain influential and sympathetic support, in a word, make sure of votes.

Well, everything had to be paid for, men like other things, some with fine words, others with favours or money, presents made in a more or less disguised manner.

And even admitting that, in the present cases, one had gone rather far in the purchasing, that some of the bartering had been conducted in an imprudent way, was it wise to make such an uproar over it?
Would not a strong government have begun by stifling the scandal, from motives of patriotism, a mere sense of cleanliness even?
"Why, of course! You are right, a thousand times right!" exclaimed Monferrand.

"Ah! if I were the master you would see what a fine first-class funeral I would give it all!" Then, as Duvillard looked at him fixedly, struck by these last words, he added with his expressive smile: "Unfortunately I'm not the master, and it was to talk to you of the situation that I ventured to disturb you.