e recital of this electoral pasquinade. I learn that a
judicial inquiry has been opened to-day into the affairs of the Corsican
Bank, and that a serious examination of its books will very probably
reveal one of those financial scandals--too frequent, alas! in our
days--and in which, for the honour of the Chamber, we would wish that
none of our members were concerned."

With this sudden revelation, the speaker stopped a moment, like an actor
making his point; and in the heavy silence weighing on the assembly, the
noise of a closing door was heard. It was the Governor Paganetti leaving
the tribune, his face white, the eyes wide open, his mouth half opened,
like some Pierrot scenting in the air a formidable blow. Monpavon,
motionless, expanded his shirtfront. The big man puffed violently into
the flowers of his wife's little white hat.

Jansoulet's mother looked at her son.

"I have spoken of the honour of the Chamber, gentlemen. On that point
I have more to say." Now Le Merquier was reading no longer. After the
chairman of the committees, the orator came on the scene, or rather
the judge. His face was expressionless, his eyes hidden; nothing lived,
nothing moved in all his body save the right arm--the long angular arm
with short sleeves--which rose and fell automatically, like a sword of
justice, making at the end of each sentence the cruel and inexorable
gesture of beheading. And truly it was an execution at which they were
present. The orator would leave on one side scandalous legends, the
mystery which brooded over this colossal fortune acquired in distant
lands, far from all control. But there were in the life of the candidate
certain points difficult to clear up, certain details. He hesitated,
seemed to select his words; then, before the impossibility of
formulating a direct accusation: "Do not let us lower the debate,
gentlemen. You have understood me. You know to what infamous stories I
allude--to what calumnies, I wish I could say; but truth forces me to
state that when M. Jansoulet called before your committee, was asked to
deny the accusations made against him, his explanations were so vague
that, though convinced of his innocence, a scrupulous regard for your
honour forced us to reject a candidature so besmirched. No, this man
must not sit among you. Besides, what would he do there? Living so long
in the East, he has unlearned the laws, the manners, and the usages of
his country. He believes in rough and read