And all through the low-voiced conference among the Court which followed, and the subdued hum of the audience, he was more and more conscious (though he dared only glance at it) of the back of that figure in front of him. At first Aymar had covered his face. Suppose he did not forgive him!
Ah, here was Sol de Grisolles getting to his feet at last.
"I think, gentlemen, that we do not need any more testimony as to M. de la Rocheterie's conduct after the disaster, and as we now have M. d'Andigné's evidence as to the bona fides of the scheme he used, the case is practically at an end. None of the Court has any further questions to ask, since we do not propose to enquire into this last shocking episode. Have you yourself, Monsieur de la Rocheterie, anything more that you wish to say?"
Aymar lifted his head from his hands and stood up. "Nothing, thank you, mon Général."
"Then I declare the case closed, and I will ask all present to withdraw while the Court deliberates."
They followed the orderly to a little room opening off the hall. Directly the door was closed Colonel Richard went up to Aymar.
"I am more horrified than I can say at hearing of your treatment at Arbelles," he said, in a voice which indeed showed his strong emotion. "And as for this last outrage—torture—I have no words for it!"
Aymar flushed. "Oh, that was nothing. And I had no intention whatever of having it brought out in Court—I never dreamt of such a thing."
Laurent could not bear the sensation of estrangement (and at this juncture, too) a moment longer. He turned round. "Aymar!" he began imploringly . . . but the Imperialist had not finished.
"I have been deeply shocked also to hear in detail what my own action led to. Had I not surrendered that letter——"