The deputation slowly withdrew, feeling deeply moved.

An hour afterwards, Plassans was speaking of Rougon as of a hero; the most cowardly called him "an old fool." Towards evening, Rougon was much surprised to see Granoux hasten to him.

The old almond-dealer threw himself in his arms, calling him "great man," and declaring that he would die with him.

The words "I am prepared!" which had just been reported to him by his maid-servant, who had heard it at the greengrocer's, had made him quite enthusiastic.
There was charming naivete in the nature of this grotesque, timorous old man.

Pierre kept him with him, thinking that he would not be of much consequence.