12 Lazare Carnot (1753–1823), revolutionary politician with remarkable survival skills. De facto war minister during the Convention and the Directory, he managed to survive his enemies in both governments as well as their downfalls. Named minister of war by Bonaparte in 1800, he was too independent to serve as a mere figurehead and soon resigned. An imperial senator who frequently opposed Napoleon, he devoted himself to scientific study after the Senate was suppressed in 1807. He returned to Napoleon's service in the last days of the Empire and again during the Hundred Days, when he was named minister of interior. Exiled by the Bourbons after Waterloo, he died in Prussia. His son and grandson were prominent in French politics, and another son was a prominent physicist.
Chapter Nine: The Ball
herself saying these words, she was stunned. What was happening, that she found herself begging favors of an underling! Her embarrassment mounting, she added, lightly: "What could have made you, usually so reserved, an inspired creature, a kind of Michael Angelo sort of prophet?" This sharp, indiscreet query deeply wounded Julien, and his craziness came back. "Was Danton right to steal?" he told her rudely, and in a manner that quickly became more and more savage. "Should the revolutionaries of Piedmont, of Spain,13 have committed crimes that compromised the people? Should they have given even totally unworthy people all the commissions in the army, and all the medals? Wouldn't the people wearing these medals have worried that the king might retake his throne? Should they have let the hordes loose, on the treasures of Turin? In short, mademoiselle," he said, coming over to her, his face frightening to behold, "must the man who wants to eliminate ignorance and crime from the earth—must he sweep across the earth like a hurricane and do evil however it happens to take place?" Mathilde was afraid, unable to endure the way he was looking at her; she stepped two paces back. She glanced at him for just a moment, and then, ashamed of her fear, she left the library, walking with light unconcern.