Nana, in talking over with Satin the events of her childhood, referred to Victor as a youth who had always shown vicious tendencies. Nana.
FAUJAS (ABBE), a priest of Besancon who, having got into some trouble there, was sent to Plassans by the Government with the view of undermining the political influence of the clergy, who were strongly Legitimist in their views. At Plassans he took up his residence, along with his mother, in the house of Francois Mouret. At first he kept entirely in the background, but assisted by Madame Mouret, who had fallen in love with him, and by Madame Felicite Rougon, acting under instructions from her son Eugene, the Minister of State, Faujas soon began to make himself felt in Plassans. He appeared to take no interest in politics, but little by little he gained power, until “the conquest of Plassans” was accomplished and a supporter of the Government was elected as deputy. Meantime his influence over Madame Mouret had become complete, and he had practically taken possession of the Mourets’ house, his sister and her husband, as well as his mother, living there with him. Thrust aside and neglected, Francois Mouret was wrongfully removed to the asylum at Les Tulettes, where confinement soon unhinged his not over-strong intellect. The Abbe now became even more arrogant, and Madame Mouret was barely tolerated in her own house. Ultimately Francois Mouret escaped from the asylum, and returning by night to his home, set fire to it; along with him, the Abbe Faujas and all his relations perished in the flames. La Conquete de Plassans.
FAUJAS (MADAME), mother of the preceding. She accompanied the Abbe to Plassans and took up house with him there. Absolutely devoted to her son, she made herself his slave, and sacrificed everything and every one to his interests. It was largely through her that the gradual ousting of the Mourets from their own home became possible; and to accomplish her ends she stopped short at nothing; seldom speaking, but always watching, she was ready to grasp each opportunity as it arose. Retribution came with the escape of Francois Mouret from the asylum, and Madame Faujas perished along with the other members of her family in the conflagration raised by him. La Conquete de Plassans.
FAUJAS (OLYMPE). See Madame Olympe Trouche.
FAUQUENOIX, an associate of Baron Desrumaux in the department of the mines of Montsou. Germinal.
FAUVELLE, a sugar-refinery at Montsou, which suffered on account of the strike of miners. Germinal.
FAVIER, a salesman in the silk department of “The Ladies’ Paradise.” He had for some reason an ill-will towards Denise Baudu and spread scandalous stories about her. Henri Deloche, her friend, hearing him do so on one occasion, threw a glass of wine in his face. Au Bonheur des Dames.
FAYEUX, a collector of rents at Vendome. He did business in connection with Busch, and also with La Mechain, whose cousin he was said to be. He speculated on the bourse through Mazaud, and after the downfall of the Universal Bank it was found that he had embezzled large sums from persons employing him. L’Argent.
FENIL (ABBE), head of the theological seminary at Plassans. He was a keen ecclesiastic, with strong Legitimist principles, and from the first took up a position antagonistic to Abbe Faujas. Having great influence with the Bishop of Plassans, he was for some time able to prevent Faujas from receiving preferment; a hint from Government, however, caused the Bishop to change his views, and Abbe Fenil was for the time routed. It was suspected that he ultimately induced Antoine Macquart to plan the escape of Francois Mouret from the asylum at Les Tulettes; an escape which led to the death of Abbe Faujas. La Conquete de Plassans.
FERAUD-GIRAUD FRERES, a firm of ship-owners who joined the great transport syndicate formed by Aristide Saccard. L’Argent.