Vagret. Ah, if I could only wear this on my back when I'm demanding the conviction of the Irissary murderer! Say what you like, the man who devised this costume was no fool! It's this sort of thing that impresses the jury. And the prisoner too! I've seen him unable to tear his eyes from the gown of the State Attorney! And you feel a stronger man when you wear it. It gives one a better presence, and one's gestures are more dignified: "Gentlemen of the court, gentlemen of the jury!" Couldn't I make an impressive indictment? "Gentlemen of the court, gentlemen of the jury! In the name of society, of which I am the avenging voice—in the name of the sacred interests of humanity—in the name of the eternal principles of morality—fortified by the consciousness of my duty and my right—I rise—[He repeats his gesture] I rise to demand the head of the wretched man who stands before you!"
Madame Vagret. How well you speak!
Vagret, with a shrug of the shoulders and a sigh, slowly and silently removes the gown and hands it to his wife.
Vagret. Here—put it away.
Madame Vagret. There's the bell.
Bertha. Yes.
Madame Vagret [to her daughter] Take it.
Bertha. Yes, mother. [She makes a parcel of the gown and is about to leave the room]
Madame Vagret. Bertha!
Bertha. Yes, mother!