For starters, her lodgings were not at all appropriately located for a woman living on her own. Instead of settling in an area such as the 16th, 8th or 7th arrondissement of the capital, Clothilde had purchased an apartment for an exorbitant price in Haussmann’s new developments in the heart of the Grands Boulevards, surrounded by cafés and theatres. To make matters worse, she meddled in politics. A committed Republican and devotee of a certain Léon Gambetta, a young arrogant lawyer with a visceral dislike of the Emperor, she would loiter in courtrooms and clubs so she could listen to his speeches. And to complete the picture, she was single – I wish to remain a free woman and not be a poor turkey under the guardianship of some halfwit who has assumed control of her money – so, lacking a husband with whom Casimir might reasonably have been able to discuss the possibility of reining her in, and at the age of fifty-six, it was obviously too late. Notwithstanding these few imperfections and the fact she set a deplorable example for the women of the family, she remained nonetheless socially acceptable. Unfortunately, the same could no longer be said of Auguste, who in addition to having transformed his home into a battlefield had managed to set himself in out-and-out opposition to his social peers.

An optimist by nature, Casimir had gambled on his sister’s modernity to guide his young son gently towards a more moderate stance. What’s more, they would each be looking out for the other, which could hardly hurt.

When Auguste appeared in the dining room looking all undone, dinner had already been served and the three men of the family – his father, his brother-in-law Jules and his older brother Ferdinand – were waiting for him before beginning.

‘Well then?’ asked Casimir, anxiously.

‘Judging by the look on his face, I’d say he’s drawn a bad number!’ said Ferdinand in a mocking voice.

‘You’ll be pleased. I drew a 4,’ replied Auguste with a sigh, before collapsing onto his chair.

His father reassured him.

‘You mustn’t worry for a moment, I had made provision, as I did for your brother, and had set aside the 2000 francs required by the state to pay for your exemption. But given this damnable law, and the fact we now have to go about finding you a replacement ourselves, I’ll have ample means to pay a dealer to bring us a good one. I’ve already approached Kahn & Levy at Place Saint-Opportune, who reportedly have no shortage of men.’

‘Was it in that rag published by your friend Tripier that you found your Jewish dealers in human flesh listed?’ asked Auguste’s brother-in-law, Jules.

‘Between an advertisement for the Naudia measuring stick and Learning German made simple!’ said Ferdinand, not to be outdone.