Or again:
“Silence! You should blush with shame for having constituted yourself the defender of such rascals!”
But the lawyers persevered even while they realized the utter uselessness of their efforts. But what could they do under such circumstances? The defence of these twenty-nine prisoners lasted only one hour and a half.
Before the last word was fairly uttered, the Duc de Sairmeuse gave a sigh of relief, and in a tone which betrayed his delight, said:
“Prisoner Escorval, stand up.”
Thus called upon, the baron rose, calm and dignified. Terrible as his sufferings must have been, there was no trace of it upon his noble face.
He had even repressed the smile of disdain which the duke’s paltry affection in not giving him the title which belonged to him, brought to his lips.
But Chanlouineau sprang up at the same time, trembling with indignation, his face all aglow with anger.
“Remain seated,” ordered the duke, “or you shall be removed from the court-room.”
Chanlouineau, nevertheless, declared that he would speak; that he had some remarks to add to the plea made by the defending counsel.