As soon as they possessed a few hundred thousand francs they would be masters of the town.

She would get her husband appointed to an important post, and she would govern.

It was not the attainment of honours which troubled her; she felt herself marvellously well armed for such a combat.

But she could do nothing to get together the first few bags of money which were needed.

Though the ruling of men caused her no apprehensions, she felt a sort of impotent rage at the thought of those inert, white, cold, five-franc pieces over which her intriguing spirit had no power, and which obstinately resisted her.
The battle lasted for more than thirty years.