Into what strange house had she entered? She was a little
afraid; and her conscience was sorely troubled. Was she not sinning? She
resolved to tell all to the priest, when he returned.
"No," said Noel, "no, M. Tabaret; Albert has not public opinion for him.
We are sharper than that in France, as you know. When a poor devil is
arrested, entirely innocent, perhaps, of the crime charged against him,
we are always ready to throw stones at him. We keep all our pity for
him, who, without doubt guilty, appears before the court of assize. As
long as the justice hesitates, we side with the prosecution against the
prisoner. The moment it is proved that the man is a villain, all our
sympathies are in his favour. That is public opinion. You understand,
however, that it affects me but little. I despise it to such an extent,
that if, as I dare still hope, Albert is not released, I will defend
him. Yes, I have told the Count de Commarin, my father, as much. I will
be his counsel, and I will save him."
Gladly would the old man have thrown himself on Noel's neck. He longed
to say to him: "We will save him together." But he restrained himself.
Would not the advocate despise him, if he told him his secret! He
resolved, however, to reveal all should it become necessary, or should
Albert's position become worse.
Pages:
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415