He bitterly regretted this unfortunate meeting; at the same time casting the blame on his own impatience and lack of caution, which, as soon as the messenger had started in search of Lecoq, had induced him to summon Polyte Chupin. Although he could not conceal from himself the enormous influence this seemingly trivial incident might have, still he would not allow himself to be cast down, but prepared to resume his examination of Polyte Chupin in hopes of yet obtaining the information he desired.
“Let us proceed,” he said to Polyte, who had not moved since his wife had been taken from the room, being to all appearances sublimely indifferent to everything passing around him. To the magistrate’s proposal he carelessly nodded assent.
“Was that your wife who came in just now?” asked M. Segmuller.
“Yes.”
“She wished to embrace you, and you repulsed her.”
“I didn’t repulse her.”
“You kept her at a distance at all events. If you had a spark of affection in your nature, you would at least have looked at your child, which she held out to you. Why did you behave in that manner?”
“It wasn’t the time for sentiment.”
“You are not telling the truth. You simply desired to attract her attention, to influence her evidence.”
“I—I influence her evidence! I don’t understand you.”