Old Madame Etchepare. After the vacations!
La Bouzole. And that is not all. Monsieur Claudet's lawyer might default, in which case judgment would be declared in your favor. But Monsieur Claudet might defend the case, or enter some kind of plea and obtain a judgment on that plea, or appeal against the judgment before the matter would be finally settled. All this would cost a great deal of money.
Old Madame Etchepare. Who would pay it?
La Bouzole. You, naturally, and Monsieur Claudet.
Old Madame Etchepare. It's all one to him; he's rich; but for us, who haven't a penny left!
La Bouzole. Then you would have to apply for judicial assistance.
Old Madame Etchepare. That would take still more time?
La Bouzole. That would take much longer.
Old Madame Etchepare. But, sir, I've always been told that justice was free in France.
La Bouzole. Justice is gratuitous, but the means of obtaining access to justice are not. That is all.