age
tending towards the destruction of society. From Falaise he wrote to his
former employers to send him soon a certificate of good life and morals,
and as their signature required to be legalised by the mayor or the
deputy, they preferred to ask Marescot to do this little service for
them.

They were introduced into a dining-room, decorated with dishes of fine
old earthenware; a Boule clock occupied the narrowest shelf. On the
mahogany table, without a cloth, were two napkins, a teapot and
finger-glasses. Madame Marescot crossed the room in a dressing-gown of
blue cashmere. She was a Parisian who was bored with the country. Then
the notary came in, with his cap in one hand, a newspaper in the other;
and at once, in the most polite fashion, he affixed his seal, although
their _protege_ was a dangerous man.

"Really," said Bouvard, "for a few words----"

"But words lead to crimes, my dear sir, give me leave to say."

"And yet," said Pecuchet, "what line of demarcation can you lay down
between innocent and guilty phrases? The thing that just now is
prohibited may be subsequently applauded." And he censured the harshness
with which the insurgents had been treated.

Marescot naturally rested his case on the necessity of protecting
society, the public safety--the supreme law.

"Pardon me!" said Pecuchet, "the right of a single individual is as much
entitled to respect as those of all, and you have nothing to oppose to
him but force if he turns your axiom upon yourself."

Instead of replying, Marescot lifted his brows disdainfully. Provided
that he continued to draw up legal documents, and to live among his
plates, in his comfortable little home, injustices of every kind might
present themselves without affecting him. Business called him away. He
excused himself.

His theory of public safety excited their indignation. The Conservatives
now talked like Robespierre.

Another matter for astonishment: Cavaignac was flagging; the Garde
Mobile was exposing itself to suspicion. Ledru-Rollin had ruined himself
even in Vaucorbeil's estimation. The debates on the Constitution
interested nobody, and on the 10th of December all the inhabitants of
Chavignolles voted for Bonaparte. The six millions of votes made
Pecuchet grow cold with regard to the people, and Bouvard and he
proceeded to study the question of universal suffrage.

As it belongs to everybody, it cannot possess intelligence. One
ambitious man will always be the