one, in every way, with as much persuasion as I could put in my
words. Was it not the life of my brother that I defended, our honor? At
first, I found Madame Dammauville much opposed to this idea. She would be
better soon, she felt it. Otherwise, if it were her duty to be carried to
the Palais de justice, she would not hesitate."

"She would do that?"

"Assuredly. No one has a stronger sense of justice. She would feel guilty
did she not give her testimony to save an innocent person; not to save
him when she could would be to take the responsibility of his loss. It is
therefore certain that if she cannot go to court alone, she will do all
she can to go, no matter how--on M. Balzajette's arm, or on a stretcher.
I was, then, easy enough on this side, but I was not for the stretcher.
What would people think to see her in this condition? What impression
would she make on the jury? Would not her appearance weaken the value of
her testimony? As Madame Dammauville is fond of me, and very kind to me,
I determined to profit by this kindness to urge a consultation, but
without mentioning any name. I represented to her that, since M.
Balzajette might say with every appearance of truth he had cured her, he
should not be angry if she desired to ratify this cure. That besides,
there was an imperative motive that would not permit her to wait, for it
would be very disagreeable to her to present herself at the court of
assizes in a theatrical way, which was not at all according to her
character or habits. I easily discovered that the fear of giving pain to
this old friend of her husband was the chief reason why she was opposed
to this consultation. It was then that your name was pronounced."

"You acknowledge it, then?"

"You will see how, and you will not be angry about it. I have often
spoken to Madame Dammauville of mamma, and, consequently, of how you
cured her paralysis, that resembled hers. It was not wrong, was it, to
say what you have done for us? And without letting any one suspect my
love, I could praise you, which my gratitude prompted. She asked me many
questions, and naturally, as usual when I speak of you, when I have the
joy of pronouncing your name, I answered in detail. That is not a crime?"

She waited a moment, looking at him. Without softening the hardness of
his glance, he made a sign to her to continue.

"When I persisted on the consultation, Madame Dammauville recalled what I
had said, and she was the first--y