Moreover, he considered himself persecuted; and the effect of that idea is to make persons who are unintelligent persecutors and bigots themselves.

To Philippe's conception of life, the universe began at his head and ended at his feet, and the sun shone for him alone.

The things he had seen in New York, interpreted by his practical nature, carried away his last scruples on the score of morality.

For such beings, there are but two ways of existence.

Either they believe, or they do not believe; they have the virtues of honest men, or they give themselves up to the demands of necessity; in which case they proceed to turn their slightest interests and each passing impulse of their passions into necessities.
Such a system of life carries a man a long way.