Then his chiefs took revenge for the long time during which he had
imposed upon them, and, having all turned Republican through an instinct
of self preservation, they cut down his salary and delayed his promotion.
He, too, changed his opinions. But the Republic not being a palpable and
living person whom one can resemble, and the presidents succeeding each
other with rapidity, he found himself plunged in the greatest
embarrassment, in terrible distress, and, after an unsuccessful imitation
of his last ideal, M. Thiers, he felt a check put on all his attempts at
imitation. He needed a new manifestation of his personality. He searched
for a long time; then, one morning, he arrived at the office wearing a
new hat which had on the side a small red, white and blue rosette. His
colleagues were astounded; they laughed all that day, the next day, all
the week, all the month. But the seriousness of his demeanor at last
disconcerted them, and once more his superiors became anxious. What
mystery could be hidden under this sign? Was it a simple manifestation of
patriotism, or an affirmation of his allegiance to the Republic, or
perhaps the badge of some powerful association? But to wear it so
persistently he must surely have some powerful and hidden protection. It
would be well to be on one's guard, especially as he received all
pleasantries with unruffled calmness. After that he was treated with
respect, and his sham courage saved him; he was appointed head clerk on
the first of January, 1880. His whole life had been spent indoors. He
hated noise and bustle, and because of this love of rest and quiet he had
remained a bachelor. He spent his Sundays reading tales of adventure and
ruling guide lines which he afterward offered to his colleagues. In his
whole existence he had only taken three vacations of a week each, when he
was changing his quarters. But sometimes, on a holiday, he would leave by
an excursion train for Dieppe or Havre in order to elevate his mind by
the inspiring sight of the sea.