Then well pleased to think that things were going as he wished them to go, he began to rub his hands, as he often did by way of expressing his satisfaction.
"Who is that grey-haired, mournful-looking gentleman on the ministerial bench ?" Pierre inquired of Massot.
"Why, that's Taboureau, the Minister of Public Instruction, the excellent gentleman who is said to have no prestige.

One's always hearing of him, and one never recognises him; he looks like an old, badly worn coin.

Just like Barroux he can't feel very well pleased with the governor this afternoon, for to-day's 'Globe' contained an article pointing out his thorough incapacity in everything concerning the fine arts.

It was an article in measured language, but all the more effective for that very reason.

It would surprise me if Taboureau should recover from it." Just then a low roll of drums announced the arrival of the President and other officials of the Chamber.