He had even repressed the smile of disdain which the duke's paltry
affection in not giving him the title which belonged to him, brought to
his lips.
But Chanlouineau sprang up at the same time, trembling with indignation,
his face all aglow with anger.
"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. He allowed them to force him back into his
seat though he could easily have crushed them with one pressure of his
brawny arm.
An observer would have supposed that he was furious; secretly, he was
delighted. The aim he had had in view was now attained. In the glance he
cast upon the abbe, the latter could read:
"Whatever happens, watch over Maurice; restrain him. Do not allow him to
defeat my plans by any outbreak."
This caution was not unnecessary. Maurice was terribly agitated; he
could not see, he felt that he was suffocating, that he was losing his
reason.
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