His apparent dulness was really caused by the continual tension of his mind; he went over the history of Cephalic Oils and the Paste of Sultans, lucifer matches and portable gas, jointed sockets for hydrostatic lamps,--in short, all the infinitely little inventions of material civilization which pay so well.
He bore Bixiou's jests as a busy man bears the buzzing of an insect; he was not even annoyed by them.

In spite of his cleverness, Bixiou never perceived the profound contempt which Minard felt for him.

Minard never dreamed of quarrelling, however,--regarding it as a loss of time.

After a while his composure tired out his tormentor.

He always breakfasted with his wife, and ate nothing at the office.