And this is why: If Mademoiselle Thuillier is not induced to put faith in my plan, we shall certainly have difficulty with her.

Besides, it won't do for YOU to propose to her that she should put the investment of her money in your name.

The idea had better come from me.

As to my means of getting you elected to the municipal council, they are these: Phellion controls one quarter of the arrondissement; he and Laudigeois have lived in it these thirty years, and they are listened to like oracles.

I have a friend who controls another quarter; and the rector of Saint-Jacques, who is not without influence, thanks to his virtues, disposes of certain votes.