To a friendly admonition which Madame Hochon addressed to him in a low voice, he replied that he had reflected deeply while in prison, and could promise that in future he would live another life.
On a hint from Philippe, Monsieur Hochon went out with him when he took his leave.

When the miser and the soldier reached the boulevard Baron, a place where no one could overhear them, the colonel turned to the old man,-- "Monsieur," he said, "if you will be guided by me, we will never speak together of matters and things, or people either, unless we are walking in the open country, or in places where we cannot be heard.

Maitre Desroches has fully explained to me the influence of the gossip of a little town.

Therefore I don't wish you to be suspected of advising me; though Desroches has told me to ask for your advice, and I beg you not to be chary of giving it.

We have a powerful enemy in our front, and it won't do to neglect any precaution which may help to defeat him.