"As an Imperialist," said Hennequin, smiling gravely, "and holding the office I do, it would not become me to encourage a candidate against the Emperor's Government. But speaking with the frankness you solicit, I should say that your chances there are infinitely worse. The Opposition are in a pitiful minority,--the most eminent of the Liberals can scarcely gain seats for themselves; great local popularity or property, high established repute for established patriotism, or proved talents of oratory and statesmanship, are essential qualifications for a seat in the Opposition; and even these do not suffice for a third of the persons who possess them. Be again what you were before,--the hero of salons remote from the turbulent vulgarity of politics." "I am answered. Thank you once more. The service I rendered you once is requited now." "No, indeed,--no; but will you dine with me quietly today, and allow me to present to you my wife and two children, born since we parted? I say to-day, for to-morrow I return to my _Prefecture_." "I am infinitely obliged by your invitation, but to-day I dine with the Comte de Beauvilliers to meet some of the _Corps Diplomatique_. I must make good my place in the salons, since you so clearly show me that I have no chance of one in the Legislature--unless--" "Unless what?" "Unless there happen one of those revolutions in which the scum comes uppermost." "No fear of that. The subterranean barracks and railway have ended forever the rise of the scum, the reign of the _canaille_ and its barricades." "Adieu, my dear Hennequin. My respectful _hommages a Madame_." After that day the writing of Pierre Firmin in "Le Sens Commun," though still keeping within the pale of the law, became more decidedly hostile to the Imperial system, still without committing their author to any definite programme of the sort of government that should succeed it. CHAPTER IV.