t that, so far as admission to the salons is
concerned, I shall encounter no difficulty in regaining position; but as
regards the Chamber, public life, a political career, can I have my
fair opening under the Empire? You pause. Answer as you have promised,
frankly."

"The difficulties in the way of a political career would be very great."

"Insuperable?"

"I fear so. Of course, in my capacity of Prefet, I have no small
influence in my department in support of a Government candidate. But
I do not think that the Imperial Government could, at this time
especially, in which it must be very cautious in selecting its
candidates, be induced to recommend you. The affair of the jewels would
be raked up; your vindication disputed, denied; the fact that for so
many years you have acquiesced in that charge without taking steps to
refute it; your antecedents, even apart from that charge; your present
want of property (M. Enguerrand tells me your income is but moderate);
the absence of all previous repute in public life. No; relinquish
the idea of political contest,--it would expose you to inevitable
mortifications, to a failure that would even jeopardize the admission
to the salons which you are now gaining. You could not be a Government
candidate."

"Granted. I may have no desire to be one; but an opposition candidate,
one of the Liberal party?"

"As an Imperialist," said Hennequin, smiling gravely, "and holding the
office I do, it would not become me to encourage a candidate against
the Emperor's Government. But speaking with the frankness you solicit, I
should say that your chances there are infinitely worse. The Opposition
are in a pitiful minority,--the most eminent of the Liberals can
scarcely gain seats for themselves; great local popularity or property,
high established repute for established patriotism, or proved talents
of oratory and statesmanship, are essential qualifications for a seat in
the Opposition; and even these do not suffice for a third of the persons
who possess them. Be again what you were before,--the hero of salons
remote from the turbulent vulgarity of politics."

"I am answered. Thank you once more. The service I rendered you once is
requited now."

"No, indeed,--no; but will you dine with me quietly today, and allow me
to present to you my wife and two children, born since we parted? I say
to-day, for to-morrow I return to my Prefecture."

"I am infinitely obliged by your invitation, but to-day