"Ah, General!" said Massot to Bozonnet in a sneering way.
"Those are our fighting men of the present time.

And he's a bold and strong one, is Monferrand.

Of course it is all what people style 'saving one's bacon,' but none the less it's very clever work." Just then, however, Monferrand to his great satisfaction had seen Vignon rise from his seat in response to the urging of his friends.

And thereupon all anxiety vanished from the Minister's smile, which became one of malicious placidity.
The very atmosphere of the Chamber seemed to change with Vignon in the tribune.

He was slim, with a fair and carefully tended beard, blue eyes and all the suppleness of youth.