"Where is the self-control you promised me?" murmured the priest.
But no one observed the young man's condition. The attention was rapt,
breathless. So profound was the silence that the measured tread of the
sentinels without could be distinctly heard.
Each person present felt that the decisive moment for which the tribunal
had reserved all its attention and efforts had come.
To convict and condemn the poor peasants, of whom no one would think
twice, was a mere trifle. But to bring low an illustrious man who had
been the counsellor and faithful friend of the Emperor! What glory, and
what an opportunity for the ambitious!
The instinct of the audience spoke the truth. If the tribunal had acted
informally in the case of the obscure conspirators, it had carefully
prepared its suit against the baron.
Thanks to the activity of the Marquis de Courtornieu, the prosecution
had found seven charges against the baron, the least grave of which was
punishable by death.
"Which of you," demanded M. de Sairmeuse, "will consent to defend this
great culprit?"
"I!" exclaimed three advocates, in a breath.
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