The sub-prefect's opinion struck him forcibly; but
he remained perplexed. He thought to himself: "Why does the fellow go
away if he is so certain that the prince-president will meet with a
check?" However, as he was compelled to espouse one side or the other,
he resolved to continue his opposition. He wrote a very hostile article
on the Coup d'Etat, and took it to the "Independant" the same evening
for the following morning's issue. He had corrected the proofs of this
article, and was returning home somewhat calmed, when, as he passed
along the Rue de la Banne, he instinctively raised his head and glanced
at the Rougons' windows. Their windows were brightly lighted up.
"What can they be plotting up there?" the journalist asked himself, with
anxious curiosity.
A fierce desire to know the opinion of the yellow drawing-room with
regard to recent events then assailed him. He credited this group of
reactionaries with little intelligence; but his doubts recurred, he was
in that frame of mind when one might seek advice from a child. He
could not think of entering his father's home at that moment, after the
campaign he had waged against Granoux and the others. Nevertheless, he
went upstairs, reflecting what a singular figure he would cut if he were
surprised on the way by anyone. On reaching the Rougons' door, he could
only catch a confused echo of voices.
"What a child I am," said he, "fear makes me stupid." And he was going
to descend again, when he heard the approach of his mother, who was
about to show somebody out.
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