Mouzon. Tramps—the poor wretches! I know what an affection you have for the poor, and I feel with you that one should not confine oneself to suspecting the unfortunate—people without shelter, without bread even.
Mondoubleau. Bravo! I am delighted to find that you are not only an able magistrate, but also that you think with me on political matters.
Mouzon. You are very good.
Mondoubleau. I hope that from now on the Basque newspapers will cease its attacks upon you.
Mouzon. I am afraid not.
Mondoubleau. Come, come!
Mouzon. What can you expect, my dear sir? The paper is hostile to you, and as I do not scruple openly to support your candidature they make the magistrate pay for the opinions of the citizen.
Mondoubleau. I feel ashamed—and I thank you with all my heart, my dear fellow. Go on as you are doing—but be prudent—eh? The Keeper of the Seals was saying to me only a couple of days ago, "I look to you to see that there is no trouble in your constituency. No trouble—above all no scandal of any kind!" I ought to tell you that Eugène is the subject of many attacks at the present moment.
Mouzon. You are on very intimate terms with his Honor the Keeper of the Seals.
Mondoubleau [makes a gesture, then, simply] We were in the Commune together.