“_Monsieur le Président_,” said he, “I am called here to testify
concerning the Esterhazy case. I am ready to answer all questions,
except those that involve professional secrecy. But it is with deep
sadness that I call attention to the fact that matters of my private
life have been raised here. It does not embarrass me personally, for I
have always behaved as a gallant man should. I have the esteem of my
superiors, and that is enough for me. But I can not admit that it is
allowable to reflect upon the honor of a young girl who has always been
respected. I ask the court, in the name of French honor, to eliminate
such questions from the discussion, and I will answer all others.”
The Judge.--“But here there has been no question” ...
M. Labori.--“I have referred here to but one woman, Mlle. Blanche
de Comminges. It seems to be the opinion of the newspapers that I
insinuated, or meant to say, that there had been between Mlle. de
Comminges and Colonel du Paty de Clam private relations susceptible
of an annoying interpretation. Nothing of the kind has been in my
thoughts. Mlle. Blanche de Comminges is a young girl of fifty-five
years; she is a friend of Colonel Picquart; her name has been used in
telegrams which Colonel Picquart considers forgeries, and in regard to
which he has complained. It is only of this that I have spoken. Now I
come to different questions. In the first place, was M. du Paty de Clam
ever acquainted with the father of Mlle. de Comminges?”