Perhaps M. Folgat was inwardly of the same opinion. Still he said,—
“You have not considered what an effect this would have.”
“Oh!”
“What would the public think if they heard all of a sudden that you had withdrawn? ‘This affair of M. de Boiscoran must be a very bad one indeed,’ they would say, ‘that M. Magloire should refuse to plead in it.’ And that would be an additional burden laid upon the unfortunate man.”
The doctor gave his friend no time to reply.
“Magloire is not at liberty to withdraw,” he said, “but he has the right to associate a brother-lawyer with himself. He must remain the advocate and counsel of M. de Boiscoran; but M. Folgat can lend him the assistance of his advice, the support of his youth and his activity, and even of his eloquence.”
A passing blush colored the cheeks of the young lawyer.
“I am entirely at M. Magloire’s service,” he said.
The famous advocate of Sauveterre considered a while. After a few moments he turned to his young colleague, and asked him,—
“Have you any plan? Any idea? What would you do?”