He admits, with his chosen paper, the democratic element, but refuses in conversation all compact with the republican spirit.

The republican spirit to him means 1793, rioting, the Terror, and agrarian law.

The democratic element is the development of the lesser bourgeoisie, the reign of Phellions.
The worthy old man is always dignified; dignity serves to explain his life.

He has brought up his children with dignity; he has kept himself a father in their eyes; he insists on being honored in his home, just as he himself honors power and his superiors.

He has never made debts.