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Updated: July 24, 2025
Lacheneur saw plainly that it would be impossible to escape this interview, so, with the gesture of a man who resigns himself to a necessity, addressing his son and Chanlouineau, he said: "Go outside for a few moments." They obeyed, and as soon as the door had closed behind them, Lacheneur said: "I know very well, Monsieur, the arguments you intend to advance; and the reason of your coming.
They came in, one by one, to the number of twenty, and took their places on the benches at the foot of the platform. Chanlouineau held his head proudly erect, and looked composedly about him. Baron d'Escorval was calm and grave; but not more so than when, in days gone by, he had been called upon to express his opinion in the councils of the Empire.
It is at the instance of the duke, your father, who is anxious for you to repair at once to the Chateau de Courtornieu." He turned to Chanlouineau, and added: "We will now proceed on our way." But Martial detained him with a gesture. "I am much surprised to hear that they are seeking me," said he.
They would certainly have dared had it not been for Marie-Anne, who checked some peasants as they were springing toward the carriage. "Let Mademoiselle de Courtornieu pass without hinderance," said she. But this permission might produce such serious consequences that Chanlouineau found courage to resist. "That cannot be, Marie-Anne," said he; "she will warn her father.
Chanlouineau evidently sided with the son, since he made repeated signs to M. Lacheneur to be silent. Either he did not see them, or he pretended not to see them, for he continued: "I must have wearied you, Monsieur, by telling you again and again: 'I am pleased with my son. He has a commendable ambition; he is working faithfully; he will succeed. Ah! I was a poor, foolish father!
"Do not be offended at anything I have said, I am in such agony that I cannot weigh my words. "Adieu, adieu, Marie-Anne. "Chanlouineau." Maurice also read twice, before handing it back, this letter whose every word palpitated with sublime passion. He was silent for a moment, then, in a husky voice, he said: "You cannot refuse; it would be wrong."
This room, which was much larger than the first, was as scantily furnished; but it contained several piles of small books and an infinite number of tiny packages. Two men were engaged in arranging and sorting these articles. One was Chanlouineau. M. d'Escorval did not remember that he had ever seen the other, who was a young man. "This is my son, Jean, Monsieur," said Lacheneur.
It seemed to the poor girl that he was reproaching her for the horrible fate which Lacheneur had brought upon him, and for the terrible part which her father had imposed upon her, and which she had not been strong enough to refuse to perform. But Chanlouineau scarcely heard Marie-Anne's exclamation. All the bitterness of the past had mounted to his brain like fumes of alcohol.
"Remain seated," ordered the duke, "or you shall be removed from the court-room." Chanlouineau, nevertheless, declared that he would speak; that he had some remarks to add to the plea made by the defending counsel. Upon a sign from the duke, two gendarmes approached and placed their hands upon his shoulders.
And if they promptly took sides with him against Chanlouineau, it was only because his gift was still fresh in their minds; except for this But the duke had not time to think much about this encounter, which produced a vivid impression upon his son.
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