“Why was he called?”
“To corroborate the payment of one hundred thousand francs that I turned over to him for Mr. Frasne. He told also the name of the real purchaser of La Vigie. The president, after having conferred with Mr. Latache, president of the chamber of notaries, released him from his professional secret, and he had to tell the truth to the jurors about Mr. Frasne’s fruitful speculations.”
“Was it Mr. Frasne, then, who bought La Vigie?” asked the girl; “for himself, to go and live there instead of us?”
“Didn’t you know it?”
“I couldn’t believe it. There are so many things that I don’t understand. Even last year at the vintage he appeared to be going round making an inspection. He ferreted round everywhere.”
“Yes, little girl, he’s the one who takes the Roquevillards’ place there now, and carries on our traditions. The whole place is his, gratis.”
His voice sounded bitter for a moment, then he continued again with his story.
“His lawyer began speaking at eleven.”
“Who was his lawyer, father?”
“A Mr. Porterieux, from Lyons. There was no one of the bar in Chambéry who would take the case.”