“You do not know all that has happened.”
“Sir,” added M. Folgat, “it is precisely for the purpose of hearing what
has happened that we come to you.”
“Very well,” said M. Seneschal.
Thereupon he went to work to describe the events which he had witnessed
at Valpinson, and those, which, as he had learned from the commonwealth
attorney, had taken place at Boiscoran; and this he did with all the
lucidity of an experienced old lawyer who is accustomed to unravel the
mysteries of complicated suits. He wound up by saying,--
“Finally, do you know what Daubigeon said to me, whose evidence you
will certainly know how to appreciate? He said in so many words, ‘Galpin
could not but order the arrest of M. de Boiscoran. Is he guilty? I do
not know what to think of it. The accusation is overwhelming. He swears
by all the gods that he is innocent; but he will not tell how he spent
the night.’”
M. de Chandore, in spite of his vigor, was near fainting, although his
face remained as crimson as ever. Nothing on earth could make him turn
pale.
“Great God!” he murmured, “what will Dionysia say?”