"Take care," said the duke, with a malicious smile; "the task is not
light."
"Not light!" It would have been better to say dangerous. It would have
been better to say that the defender risked his career, his peace, and
his liberty; very probably, his life.
"Our profession has its exigencies," nobly replied the oldest of the
advocates.
And the three courageously took their places beside the baron, thus
avenging the honor of their robe which had just been miserably sullied,
in a city where, among more than a hundred thousand souls, two pure and
innocent victims of a furious reaction had not--oh, shame!--been able to
find a defender.
"Prisoner," resumed M. de Sairmeuse, "state your name and profession."
"Louis Guillaume, Baron d'Escorval, Commander of the Order of the Legion
of Honor, formerly Councillor of State under the Empire."
"So you avow these shameful services? You confess----"
"Pardon, Monsieur; I am proud of having had the honor of serving my
country, and of being useful to her in proportion to my ability----"
With a furious gesture the duke interrupted him.
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