This was markedly the case at Issoudun, a land where, as we have seen, revolt of all kinds is traditional.

In 1802, Catholic worship was scarcely re-established.

The Emperor found it a difficult matter to obtain priests.

In 1806, many parishes all over France were still widowed; so slowly were the clergy, decimated by the scaffold, gathered together again after their violent dispersion.
In 1802, therefore, nothing was likely to reproach Flore Brazier, unless it might be her conscience; and conscience was sure to be weaker than self-interest in the ward of Uncle Brazier.

If, as everybody chose to suppose, the cynical doctor was compelled by his age to respect a child of fifteen, the Rabouilleuse was none the less considered very "wide awake," a term much used in that region.