"All of which signifies that in a country where there are three powers you may bet a thousand to one that a government clerk who has no influence but his own merits to advance him will remain in obscurity." Bixiou [looking alternately at Chazelle and Fleury].

"My sons, you have yet to learn that in these days the worst state of life is the state of belonging to the State." Fleury.

"Because it has a constitutional government." Colleville.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen! no politics!" Bixiou.

"Fleury is right.