His mother and brother, on the contrary, who were really disinterested, generous, and lofty, had been accused of greed because they had acted with straightforward simplicity.

Philippe's covetousness was fully roused by Monsieur Hochon, who gave him all the details of his uncle's property.
In the first secret conversation which he held with the octogenarian, they agreed that Philippe must not awaken Max's suspicions; for the game would be lost if Flore and Max were to carry off their victim, though no further than Bourges.
Once a week the colonel dined with Mignonnet; another day with Carpentier; and every Thursday with Monsieur Hochon.

At the end of three weeks he received other invitations for the remaining days, so that he had little more than his breakfast to provide.

He never spoke of his uncle, nor of the Rabouilleuse, nor of Gilet, unless it were in connection with his mother and his brother's stay in Issoudun.

The three officers--the only soldiers in the town who were decorated, and among whom Philippe had the advantage of the rosette, which in the eyes of all provincials gave him a marked superiority--took a habit of walking together every day before dinner, keeping, as the saying is, to themselves.