The young substitute did not, therefore, know exactly how to answer this speech; he thought it wise to enlarge on one of its side issues.
"You are right, monsieur," said Olivier Vinet.

"But, before manifesting itself magnificently, the bourgeoisie has other duties to fulfil towards France.

The luxury you speak of should come after duty.

That which seems to you so blameable is the necessity of the moment.

The Chamber is far from having its full share in public affairs; the ministers are less for France than they are for the crown, and parliament has determined that the administration shall have, as in England, a strength and power of its own, and not a mere borrowed power.