Then, in a neighbouring group formed round Vignon, who looked very calm and smiled, were the other clients, those who awaited the moment to climb to the assault of power, in order that they, in their turn, might at last possess influence or office.

Eyes glittered with covetousness, hopeful delight could be read in them, pleasant surprise at the sudden opportunity now offered.

Vignon avoided replying to the over-direct questions of his friends, and simply announced that he did not intend to intervene.

Evidently enough his plan was to let Mege interpellate and overthrow the ministry, for he did not fear him, and in his own estimation would afterwards simply have to stoop to pick up the fallen portfolios.
"Ah! Monferrand now," little Massot was saying, "there's a rascal who trims his sails! I knew him as an anti-clerical, a devourer of priests, Monsieur l'Abbe, if you will allow me so to express myself; however, I don't say this to be agreeable to you, but I think I may tell you for certain that he has become reconciled to religion.

At least, I have been told that Monseigneur Martha, who is a great converter, now seldom leaves him.