That hope was a fixed idea with him.

Madame Hochon knew that the best means of obtaining a few concessions from her husband was to threaten him with her will.

Monsieur Hochon now took sides with his guests.

An enormous fortune was at stake; with a sense of social justice, he wished it to go to the natural heirs, instead of being pillaged by unworthy outsiders.

Moreover, the sooner the matter was decided, the sooner he should get rid of his guests.