Some of his father''s old generals or old comrades had invited him to go and see them, when they learned about him.
Marius had not refused their invitations.
They afforded opportunities of talking about his father.
Thus he went from time to time, to Comte Pajol, to General Bellavesne, to General Fririon, to the Invalides. There was music and dancing there.
On such evenings, Marius put on his new coat.
But he never went to these evening parties or balls except on days when it was freezing cold, because he could not afford a carriage, and he did not wish to arrive with boots otherwise than like mirrors.
He said sometimes, but without bitterness:
"Men are so made that in a drawing-room you may be soiled everywhere except on your shoes. In order to insure a good reception there, only one irreproachable thing is asked of you; your conscience?
No, your boots."
All passions except those of the heart are dissipated by revery. Marius'' political fevers vanished thus.
The Revolution of 1830 assisted in the process, by satisfying and calming him. He remained the same, setting aside his fits of wrath. He still held the same opinions.
Only, they had been tempered. To speak accurately, he had no longer any opinions, he had sympathies. To what party did he belong?
To the party of humanity.