Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 22, 2025
Vuillet's conduct seemed to him suspicious. But he had no time to seek an explanation; he had scarcely stretched himself out afresh in his arm-chair, when Roudier entered, with a big sabre, which he had attached to his belt, clattering noisily against his legs. The sleepers awoke in a fright. Granoux thought it was a call to arms. "Eh? what!
Felicite took the letter and examined the seal attentively, apparently quite regardless of the fact that such scrutiny might wound Vuillet's susceptibilities. She clearly perceived that the envelope must have been opened; the bookseller, in his unskilful way, had used some sealing wax of a darker colour to secure it again.
Paris was subdued, the provinces generally speaking remained quiet, and he counselled his parents to maintain a very firm attitude in face of the partial insurrection which was disturbing the South. In conclusion he told them that the foundation of their fortune was laid, if they did not weaken. Madame Rougon put the letter in her pocket, and sat down slowly, looking into Vuillet's face.
He was even touched by the poor fellow's devotion, and resolved to have him publicly complimented by the prefect, in order to rouse the envy of the other citizens who had so cowardly abandoned him. And so both of them awaited the night in the deserted building. At the same time Aristide was striding about at home in an uneasy manner. Vuillet's article had astonished him.
Burning, however, with the desire to play a prominent part, he persuaded a bookseller, one of Vuillet's rivals, to establish a democratic journal, to which he became one of the most energetic contributors. Under his impulse the "Independant" waged merciless warfare against the reactionaries.
It was yesterday that he ought to have written that article; to-day he'll get us all butchered!" Felicite was lost in amazement. What could have prompted Vuillet's change of front? The idea of that wretched semi-sacristan carrying a musket and firing on the ramparts of Plassans seemed to her one of the most ridiculous things imaginable.
He rose, with his humble smile, and offered her a seat; his reddened eyelids blinking rather uneasily. But Felicite did not sit down; she roughly exclaimed: "I want the letter." At this Vuillet's eyes opened widely, with an expression of perfect innocence. "What letter, madame?" he asked. "The letter you received this morning for my husband. Come, Monsieur Vuillet, I'm in a hurry."
In order to sound his brother, Aristide, who did not dare to appear openly uneasy, contented himself with asking: "Did you read my article yesterday? What do you think of it?" Eugene lightly shrugged his shoulders. "You're a simpleton, brother," was his sole reply. "Then you think Vuillet right?" cried the journalist, turning pale; "you believe in Vuillet's triumph?" "I! Vuillet "
Word Of The Day
Others Looking