"Impossible. A counselor need not work more than three hours a day in the parliament."
"Oh! I am working up some returns for a friend of mine in the department of accounts, and, as I still have time left on my hands, I am studying Hebrew."
"Your reputation stands high in the parliament, Vanel."
"I believe so, monseigneur."
"You must not grow rusty in your post of counselor."
"What must I do to avoid it?"
"Purchase a high place. Mean and low ambitions are very difficult to satisfy."
"Small purses are the most difficult to fill, monseigneur."
"What post have you in view?" said Colbert.
"I see none—not one."