“My relations with M. de Boiscoran are neither good nor bad. We have
none.”
“It is reported, I have heard it myself, that you are on bad terms.”
“On no terms at all. I never leave Valpinson, and M. de Boiscoran spends
nine months of the year in Paris. He has never called at my house, and I
have never been in his.”
“You have been overheard speaking of him in unmeasured terms.”
“That may be. We are neither of the same age, nor have we the same
tastes or the same opinions. He is young: I am old. He likes Paris and
the great world: I am fond of solitude and hunting. I am a Legitimist:
he used to be an Orleanist, and now he is a Republican. I believe that
the descendant of our old kings alone can save the country; and he
is convinced that the happiness of France is possible only under a
Republic. But two men may be enemies, and yet esteem each other. M. de
Boiscoran is an honorable man; he has done his duty bravely in the war,
he has fought well, and has been wounded.”
M. Galpin noted down these answers with extreme care. When he had done
so, he continued,--
“The question is not one of political opinions only. You have had
personal difficulties with M. de Boiscoran.”
“Of no importance.”
“I beg pardon: you have been at law.”
“Our estates adjoin each other. There is an unlucky brook between us,
which is a source of constant trouble to the neighbors.”