3 See note for p. 249, l. 23. Nerval in this scene seems to resemble Jules de Polignac, the most reactionary of ultras and Charles X's last prime minister. He was controversial when appointed in 1829, and became only more so as he sought to undermine the progress made by liberals since 1789. He had also become deeply devout, and saw his politics as a holy mission, as Nerval does in this chapter; he also resembles Charles X in this regard.
Chapter 169