"But monsieur, I hear those gentlemen of the Royal court said the family
had no rights--"

"Yes, that's so," said the clerk; "the lower court and the Royal court
have both, on the petition of the relatives, rejected their demand for a
commission."

"I should hope so!" said the woman; "to think of making him out a
lunatic! him so full of wisdom and learning!"

"But the relations don't mean to give up; they are going to try the
matter again under a new form, and ask for the appointment of a judicial
counsel. That's what the family council meets for to-morrow; and I
think, this time, my dear Madame Lambert, your old Picot will find
himself restrained. There are serious allegations, I can tell you. It
was all very well to take the eggs, but to pluck the hen was another
thing."

"Is it possible that monsieur can suppose--" began the devote, clasping
her hands under her chin.

"I suppose nothing," said Cerizet; "I am not the judge of this affair.
But the relations declare that you have pocketed considerable sums, and
made investments about which they demand inquiry."

"Oh! heavens!" said the woman, casting up her eyes; "they can inquire;
I am poor; I have not a deed, nor a note, nor a share; not the slightest
security of any kind in my possession."

"I dare say not," said Cerizet, glancing at la Peyrade out of the corner
of his eye; "but there are always friends to take care of such things.
However, that is none of my business; every one must settle his
own affairs in his own way. Now, then, say what you have to say,
distinctly."

"I came, monsieur," she replied, "to implore you, monsieur, to implore
Monsieur the judge's clerk, to speak in our favor to Monsieur the
justice-of-peace. Monsieur the vicar of Saint-Jacques is also to speak
to him. That poor Monsieur Picot!" she went on, weeping, "they'll kill
him if they continue to worry him in this way."

"I sha'n't conceal from you," said Cerizet, "that the justice-of-peace
is very ill-disposed to your cause. You must have seen that the other
day, when he refused to receive you. As for Monsieur Dutocq and myself,
our assistance won't help you much; and besides, my good woman, you are
too close-mouthed."

"Monsieur asked me if I had laid by a few little savings; and I couldn't
tell him that I had, be--because they have gone to keep the h--house
of that poor Monsieur Pi--i--cot; and now they accuse me of r--robbing
him!"

Madame Lambert sobbed.

"My opinion is,