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Bureaucracy

CHAPTER VII
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If they threaten us with Baudoyer we shall say to the clerical phalanx, 'Such and such a paper and such and such men will attack your measures and the whole press will be against you' (for even the ministerial journals which I influence will be deaf and dumb, won't they, Finot ?).

'Appoint Rabourdin, a faithful servant, and public opinion is with you--'" "Hi, hi!" laughed Finot.
"So, there's no need to be uneasy," said des Lupeaulx.

"I have arranged it all to-night; the Grand Almoner must yield." "I would rather have had less hope, and you to dinner," whispered Celestine, looking at him with a vexed air which might very well pass for an expression of wounded love.
"This must win my pardon," he returned, giving her an invitation to the ministry for the following Tuesday.
Celestine opened the letter, and a flush of pleasure came into her face.
No enjoyment can be compared to that of gratified vanity.
"You know what the countess's Tuesdays are," said des Lupeaulx, with a confidential air.

"To the usual ministerial parties they are what the 'Petit-Chateau' is to a court ball.

You will be at the heart of power! You will see there the Comtesse Feraud, who is still in favor notwithstanding Louis XVIII.'s death, Delphine de Nucingen, Madame de Listomere, the Marquise d'Espard, and your dear Firmiani; I have had her invited to give you her support in case the other women attempt to black-ball you.


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