Granet had thus everywhere a host of clients, women and men, sighing for his success, working to bring about his ministry, intriguing in advance for his advent, and working together for his glory.
"Ah! if Granet were in power!"
"Such abuses would not exist under a Granet ministry!"
"All will be changed when Granet becomes minister!"
"That dear Granet! that good Granet! Long live Granet!"
Vaudrey was not ignorant of the fact that for some time past, Lucien Granet had been manoeuvring for his appointment to any office whatever, the most important obtainable. He was within an ace of becoming a member of the last Ministerial Coalition. He might have been Vaudrey's colleague instead of his rival. Sulpice was as glad to have him as an opponent in the Chamber as a colleague in the ministerial council. He was, however, not an adversary to be trifled with. Granet was a power in himself.
"Well!" said the minister to Granet, who entered smiling, and with a very polite greeting, "you come then to inspect your future office? Already!—"
"I?" said Granet, who did his best to be agreeable, "God prevent me from thinking of this department. It is too well filled."
"That is very gallant, my dear Granet."
"Far from disputing your portfolio, I come, on the contrary, to give you some advice as to strengthening your already excellent position."