el, "to suppress the Chamber: every
disorder comes from Paris."

"Let us decentralise," said the notary.

"On a large scale," added the count.

In Foureau's opinion, the communal authorities should have absolute
control, even to the extent of prohibiting travellers from using their
roads, if they thought fit.

And whilst the dishes followed one another--fowl with gravy, lobsters,
mushrooms, salads, roast larks--many topics were handled: the best
system of taxation, the advantages of the large system of land
cultivation, the abolition of the death penalty. The sub-prefect did not
forget to cite that charming witticism of a clever man: "Let Messieurs
the Assassins begin!"

Bouvard was astonished at the contrast between the surroundings and the
remarks that reached his ears; for one would think that the language
used should always harmonise with the environment, and that lofty
ceilings should be made for great thoughts. Nevertheless, he was
flushed at dessert, and saw the fruit-dishes as if through a fog.
Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Malaga were amongst the wines sent round. M. de
Faverges, who knew the people he had to deal with, made the champagne
flow. The guests, touching glasses, drank to his success at the
election; and more than three hours elapsed before they passed out into
the smoking-room, where coffee was served.

A caricature from _Charivari_ was trailing on the floor between some
copies of the _Univers_. It represented a citizen the skirts of whose
frock-coat allowed a tail to be seen with an eye at the end of it.
Marescot explained it amid much laughter.

They swallowed their liqueurs, and the ashes of their cigars fell on the
paddings of the furniture.

The abbe, desirous to convince Girbal, began an attack on Voltaire.
Coulon fell asleep. M. de Faverges avowed his devotion to Chambord.

"The bees furnish an argument for monarchy."

"But the ants for the Republic." However, the doctor adhered to it no
longer.

"You are right," said the sub-prefect; "the form of government matters
little."

"With liberty," suggested Pecuchet.

"An honest man has no need of it," replied Foureau. "I make no speeches,
for my part. I am not a journalist. And I tell you that France requires
to be governed with a rod of iron."

All called for a deliverer. As they were going out, Bouvard and Pecuchet
heard M. de Faverges saying to the Abbe Jeufroy:

"We must re-establish obedience. Authority perishes if it be made th