"Did you then, and do you now, recognise your son's handwriting?"
"Perfectly, monsieur."
"You took Edouard to Versailles?"
"I did."
"On what day?"
"February 11th, Shrove Tuesday. It is the only time I have been to Versailles. The contrary might be supposed; for I have allowed it to be understood that I have often seen Madame de Lamotte since she left my house, and was acquainted with all her actions, and that the former confidence and friendship still existed between us. In allowing this, I have acted a lie, and transgressed the habitual sincerity of my whole life."
This assertion produced a bad impression on the magistrate. Derues perceived it, and to avert evil consequences, hastened to add—
"My conduct can only be appreciated when it is known in entirety. I misunderstood the meaning of Madame de Lamotte's letter. She asked me to send her her son, I thought to oblige her by accompanying him, and not leaving him to go alone. So we travelled together, and arrived at Versailles about midday. As I got down from the coach I saw Madame de Lamotte at the palace gate, and observed, to my astonishment, that my presence displeased her. She was not alone."
He stopped, although he had evidently reached the most interesting point of his story.
"Go on," said the magistrate; "why do you stop now?"