JEANBERNAT, the caretaker of the deserted estate of Paradou in Provence. He lived by himself with his niece Albine in an old house on the border of the demesne. In an attic he had found a large number of books which had been saved from a fire in the old mansion, and these he studied for twenty years, imbibing from them the rationalistic theories of the eighteenth century. He had no respect for religion, and particularly disliked Brother Archangias, who insulted both him and his niece. After the death of Albine he attacked Archangias, and cut off his right ear with a pocket-knife. La Faute de l’Abbe Mouret.
JENARD, a partner in the firm of Cornille and Jenard, which developed in the eighteenth century the mineral concession of Joiselle. Germinal.
JESUS CHRIST, the sobriquet of Hyacinthe Fouan. La Terre.
JEUMONT (M. AND MADAME), were well known in society during the Second Empire. The Emperor admired Madame Jeumont, and her husband was decorated by him. L’Argent.
JOBELIN (AUGUSTE), son of Colonel Jobelin. Contrary to regulations, Eugene Rougon took him into the office of the Minister of the Interior without the necessary bachelor’s degree. Son Excellence Eugene Rougon.
JOBELIN (COLONEL), a friend of Eugene Rougon, through whose aid he hoped to secure a nomination as commander of the Legion of Honour, and an appointment for his son. He was a cousin of M. Bouchard. After Rougon’s return to office he received the appointment as commander. Son Excellence Eugene Rougon.
JOIRE (ABBE), Cure of Montsou. He pretended not to interest himself in anything, so as not to vex either the workers or the masters. During the strike he took his walks at night, to prevent himself from being compromised by the miners. He obtained promotion, and was replaced by Abbe Ranvier. Germinal.
JONCQUIER, a lover of Rose Mignon, who deserted her for a time in favour of Laure. Nana.
JONCQUOY (MADAME DU), an old friend of the Muffats. Years ago she had met Bismarck, who struck her as stupid; she was unable to understand his later success. Nana.
JORDAN (PAUL), a journalist, whose father, a Marseilles banker, had committed suicide in consequence of some disastrous speculations. He married a daughter of M. Maugendre, to whom he had been betrothed in more prosperous days. His wife brought him no dowry, as her parents were against the marriage on the ground of Jordan’s occupation and want of means. Having made the acquaintance of Saccard, he received an appointment on the staff of the newspaper purchased to support the policy of the Universal Bank. He did not speculate, however, and remained in comparative poverty, until the success of a novel which he had written put him in more comfortable circumstances, and even enabled him to give assistance to his wife’s parents after they were ruined by the failure of the bank. L’Argent.