In answer to an inquiry whether his wife had heard M. de Cadanet’s statement, he said she had not; the count had wished to speak to him alone.
“And this wish you scrupulously carried out?”
“Certainly. Monsieur de Cadanet was a man who would be obeyed.”
“You are, I think, the principal legatee under the will?”
“I am.”
“Will you state why you decided upon asking for this prosecution.”
“In compliance with Monsieur de Cadanet’s express desire, he said he had often reproached himself with having taken no steps himself, but that age and illness had weakened his energy. It was in order that I might undertake the task that he confided the papers to me.”
The examination continued for some time longer on these lines. The effect it produced was decidedly adverse to the accused. It had nearly concluded when the called-for letter arrived, and was read:
“Mr Cousin,—I have taken the liberty of borrowing the sum which you had so thoughtfully prepared for Monsieur Charles. It would have been better for him if you had accepted my offer to post your letter; as you declined to trust me, I had no scruple in exchanging it for another, which found itself in my hand at the exact moment. Do not blame your messenger, who is quite unaware of the transaction. By my writing to you, you will perceive that I have no intention of denying what I have done. It is in your power to have me arrested. You know where to find me, and I will remain in Paris for two days, so as to avoid the pain to my family of a scandal at Poissy. Permit me, however, to point out that I have only taken the money as a loan, that it will be returned to you by instalments and with interest, though, I fear, slowly, and that you may find it more advantageous to allow the matter to rest than to ruin one who, however unworthy, is the son of the man to whom you are certainly indebted for your prosperity, and who begs to subscribe himself.
“Yours faithfully,—
“Léon de Beaudrillart.”
As the last word of the letter died away, a movement passed through the court. The judge addressed himself to Léon.