Innocent or guilty,
he had made up his mind how to act; his face left no doubt of that. His
eyes expressed that cold resolution of a sacrifice freely made, and
a certain haughtiness which might be taken for disdain, but which
expressed the noble resentment of an injured man. In him could be
seen the self-reliant man, who might be shaken but never overcome by
misfortune.
On beholding him, the magistrate understood that he would have to
change his mode of attack. He recognized one of those natures which are
provoked to resistance when assailed, and strengthened when menaced.
He therefore gave up his former tactics, and attempted to move him by
kindness. It was a hackneyed trick, but almost always successful, like
certain pathetic scenes at theatres. The criminal who has girt up his
energy to sustain the shock of intimidation, finds himself without
defence against the wheedling of kindness, the greater in proportion to
its lack of sincerity. Now M. Daburon excelled in producing affecting
scenes. What confessions he had obtained with a few tears! No one knew
so well as he how to touch those old chords which vibrate still even in
the most corrupt hearts: honour, love, and family ties.
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