“A criminal charge is always serious,” replied M. Folgat.
“Upon my word,” cried M. de Chandore, “you are not in doubt about Jacques’s innocence?”
M. Seneschal did not say, No. He was silent, thinking of the wise remarks made by his wife the evening before.
“How can we know,” he began at last, “what may be going on in young brains of twenty-five when they are set on fire by the remembrance of certain insults! Wrath is a dangerous counsellor.”
Grandpapa Chandore refused to hear any more.
“What! do you talk to me of wrath?” he broke in; “and what do you see of wrath in this Valpinson affair? I see nothing in it, for my part, but the very meanest crime, long prepared and coolly carried out.”
The mayor very seriously shook his head, and said,—
“You do not know all that has happened.”
“Sir,” added M. Folgat, “it is precisely for the purpose of hearing what has happened that we come to you.”
“Very well,” said M. Seneschal.