sion in Lunacy on the part of the
Marquise d'Espard."

The old man withdrew. When the lawyer and the Marquis were alone, the
clerk shut the door, and seated himself unceremoniously at the office
table, where he laid out his papers and prepared to take down his notes.
Popinot had still kept his eye on M. d'Espard; he was watching the
effect on him of this crude statement, so painful for a man in full
possession of his reason. The Marquis d'Espard, whose face was usually
pale, as are those of fair men, suddenly turned scarlet with anger; he
trembled for an instant, sat down, laid his paper on the chimney-piece,
and looked down. In a moment he had recovered his gentlemanly dignity,
and looked steadily at the judge, as if to read in his countenance the
indications of his character.

"How is it, monsieur," he asked, "that I have had no notice of such a
petition?"

"Monsieur le Marquis, persons on whom such a commission is held not
being supposed to have the use of their reason, any notice of the
petition is unnecessary. The duty of the Court chiefly consists in
verifying the allegations of the petitioner."

"Nothing can be fairer," replied the Marquis. "Well, then, monsieur, be
so good as to tell me what I ought to do----"

"You have only to answer my questions, omitting nothing. However
delicate the reasons may be which may have led you to act in such a
manner as to give Madame d'Espard a pretext for her petition, speak
without fear. It is unnecessary to assure you that lawyers know their
duties, and that in such cases the profoundest secrecy----"

"Monsieur," said the Marquis, whose face expressed the sincerest pain,
"if my explanations should lead to any blame being attached to Madame
d'Espard's conduct, what will be the result?"

"The Court may add its censure to its reasons for its decision."

"Is such censure optional? If I were to stipulate with you, before
replying, that nothing should be said that could annoy Madame d'Espard
in the event of your report being in my favor, would the Court take my
request into consideration?"

The judge looked at the Marquis, and the two men exchanged sentiments of
equal magnanimity.

"Noel," said Popinot to his registrar, "go into the other room. If you
can be of use, I will call you in.--If, as I am inclined to think," he
went on, speaking to the Marquis when the clerk had gone out, "I find
that there is some misunderstanding in this case, I can promise you,
monsieur, th