If I do you a service to-day you are in a position to return it to me to-morrow; therefore, in case I should be so fortunate as to do you a good turn, I am really only obeying the law of self-interest.

Our friend Thuillier is in despair at being a nobody; he has taken it into his head that he wants to become a personage in this arrondissement--" "Ah! ah!" exclaimed Minard.
"Oh! nothing very exalted; he wants to be elected to the municipal council.

Now, I know that Phellion, seeing the influence such a service would have on his family interests, intends to propose your poor friend as candidate.

Well, perhaps you might think it wise, in your own interests, to be beforehand with him.

Thuillier's nomination could only be favorable for you--I mean agreeable; and he'll fill his place in the council very well; there are some there who are not as strong as he.
Besides, owing to his place to your support, he will see with your eyes; he already looks to you as one of the lights of the town." "My dear fellow, I thank you very much," replied Minard.