“I know, sir, that Count Claudieuse has been the victim of a most
infamous attempt at murder; that he is still in danger, and that, unless
God works a miracle, I shall soon be without a husband, and my children
without a father.”
“But M. de Boiscoran is innocent, madam.”
The features of the countess assumed an expression of profound surprise;
and, looking fixedly at M. Folgat, she said,--
“And who, then, is the murderer?”
Ah! It cost the young advocate no small effort to prevent his lips from
uttering the fatal word, “You,” prompted by his indignant conscience.
But he thought of the success of his mission; and, instead of replying,
he said,--
“To a prisoner, madam, to an unfortunate man on the eve of judgment, an
advocate is a confessor, to whom he tells every thing. I must add that
the counsel of the accused is like a priest: he must forget the secrets
which have been confided to him.”
“I do not understand, sir.”
“My client, madam, had a very simple means to prove his innocence.
He had only to tell the truth. He has preferred risking his own honor
rather than to betray the honor of another person.”