The apparent artlessness of this political swindler prevented her from suspecting a trick.
"Do you believe he really thinks of me ?" she asked, falling into the trap.
"I know it; I am certain of it." "Is it true that Rabourdin's appointment is signed ?" "I gave him the papers this morning.

But it is not enough that your husband should be made director; he must be Master of petitions." "Yes," she said.
"Well, then, go back to the salon and coquette a little more with his Excellency." "It is true," she said, "that I never fully understood you till to-night.

There is nothing commonplace about /you/." "We will be two old friends," said des Lupeaulx, "and suppress all tender nonsense and tormenting love; we will take things as they did under the Regency.

Ah! they had plenty of wit and wisdom in those days!" "You are really strong; you deserve my admiration," she said, smiling, and holding out her hand to him, "one does more for one's friend, you know, than for one's--" She left him without finishing her sentence.
"Dear creature!" thought des Lupeaulx, as he saw her approach the minister, "des Lupeaulx has no longer the slightest remorse in turning against you.

To-morrow evening when you offer me a cup of tea, you will be offering me a thing I no longer care for.