During this time Malin was away on a mission.

But when Monsieur Marion sold Gondreville to the Councillor of State, Michu understood the latter's game,--or rather, he thought he did; for Malin was, like Fouche, one of those personages who are of such depth in all their different aspects that they are impenetrable when they play a part, and are never understood until long after their drama is ended.
In all the chief circumstances of Malin's life he had never failed to consult his faithful friend Grevin, the notary of Arcis, whose judgment on men and things was, at a distance, clear-cut and precise.

This faculty is the wisdom and makes the strength of second-rate men.

Now, in November, 1803, a combination of events (already related in the "Depute d'Arcis") made matters so serious for the Councillor of State that a letter might have compromised the two friends.

Malin, who hoped to be appointed senator, was afraid to offer his explanations in Paris.