The President. Monsieur!
Vagret. It's a monstrous thing, I tell you, that one can reproach an accused person, whether innocent or guilty, with a fault committed ten years ago, and which has been expiated. Yes, Monsieur, it is a horrible thing that, after punishing, the law does not pardon.
The President [who has put on his jacket and hat] If you think the law is bad, get it altered. Enter Parliament.
Vagret. Alas, if I were a deputy, it is probable that I should be like the rest; instead of thinking of such matters I should think of nothing but calculating the probable duration of the Government.
The President [his box under his arm] In that case—is the doorkeeper—
Vagret [touching a bell] He will come. Then it's Monsieur Mouzon who is appointed in my place?
The President. It is Monsieur Mouzon.
Vagret. Because he's the creature of a deputy, a Mondoubleau—
The President. I cannot allow you to speak ill of Monsieur Mondoubleau—before my face.
Vagret. You think you may perhaps have need of him.