JACOBY, a Jew from Bordeaux, between whom and Mazaud there was keen rivalry. “Though of great experience and shrewdness, he was sorely handicapped by his passion for speculation, and in spite of considerable profits always seemed on the eve of a catastrophe. His money melted away on settling days.” He acted as broker for Daigremont, and also for Gundermann. The great gamble in the shares of the Universal Bank resolved itself into a duel between Jacoby and Mazaud, the one selling on behalf of Gundermann, and the other buying on behalf of Saccard; and the final catastrophe was hastened by Jacoby warning Daigremont of Gundermann’s determination to crush out the bank. L’Argent.
JALAGUIER (MADAME), a protegee of Madame Correur, who induced Eugene Rougon, the Minister, to increase the old lady’s pension considerably. Son Excellence Eugene Rougon.
JALAGUIER FILS, son of the preceding. Madame Correur took an interest in him, and asked Eugene Rougon to secure a scholarship for him. Son Excellence Eugene Rougon.
JANTROU, an ex-professor of the University of Bordeaux, who in consequence of some misconduct was obliged to leave for Paris, without caste or position. At the age of twenty-eight, he landed at the Bourse, where for ten years he dragged out existence as a remisier or broker’s tout. At the time of the foundation of the Universal Bank he suggested to Saccard the purchase of a newspaper to be employed in the interest of the company. The purchase was carried out, and Jantrou was appointed editor. Subsequently other papers were acquired, which he manipulated so as to keep the bank continually before the public. He gave information to Baroness Sandorff which she repeated to Gundermann, who was induced thereby to continue his attack on the bank. L’Argent.
JEANBERNAT, the caretaker of the deserted estate of Paradou in Provence. He lived by himself with his niece Albine in an old house on the border of the demesne. In an attic he had found a large number of books which had been saved from a fire in the old mansion, and these he studied for twenty years, imbibing from them the rationalistic theories of the eighteenth century. He had no respect for religion, and particularly disliked Brother Archangias, who insulted both him and his niece. After the death of Albine he attacked Archangias, and cut off his right ear with a pocket-knife. La Faute de l’Abbe Mouret.
JENARD, a partner in the firm of Cornille and Jenard, which developed in the eighteenth century the mineral concession of Joiselle. Germinal.
JESUS CHRIST, the sobriquet of Hyacinthe Fouan. La Terre.
JEUMONT (M. AND MADAME), were well known in society during the Second Empire. The Emperor admired Madame Jeumont, and her husband was decorated by him. L’Argent.
JOBELIN (AUGUSTE), son of Colonel Jobelin. Contrary to regulations, Eugene Rougon took him into the office of the Minister of the Interior without the necessary bachelor’s degree. Son Excellence Eugene Rougon.
JOBELIN (COLONEL), a friend of Eugene Rougon, through whose aid he hoped to secure a nomination as commander of the Legion of Honour, and an appointment for his son. He was a cousin of M. Bouchard. After Rougon’s return to office he received the appointment as commander. Son Excellence Eugene Rougon.